A source from the Sub-regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection of Leiria informed that personnel are “finishing the consolidation of hot spots,” but the fire “no longer poses any danger.”
The alert for the fire in Vale Sumo, in the Union of Parishes of Santa Catarina da Serra and Chainça, in the municipality of Leiria, was raised at 13:03.
The fire had an active front in a brush area.
According to a source from the Territorial Command of the National Republican Guard of Leiria, the fire forced the closure of the EN113 in both directions between Olivais and Quinta da Sardinha, which remained closed as of 18:15.
By 17:52, there were 122 personnel on the ground, supported by 36 vehicles and one aerial resource.
Continental Portugal has been affected by numerous rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Central regions, amid high temperatures that prompted the declaration of an alert status since August 2.
The fires have resulted in two deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly minor, and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural and livestock operations and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which two Fire Boss planes are expected to arrive on Monday to aid in firefighting efforts.
Provisional official data indicates that by August 17, 172,000 hectares had burned in the country, surpassing the total area burned throughout the year 2024.
