In an update posted at 9:30 AM on Facebook, the Covilhã Town Hall stated that “despite efforts throughout the night, the fire burning in the municipality remains active and is progressing intensely.”
In this context, the confinement appeal has been extended to the locality of Bouça and remains for Unhais da Serra, Cortes de Baixo, and Cortes do Meio.
“Given this situation and the risk of reactivations in affected areas, we reiterate the request for populations to stay in a safe place, adopt self-protection behaviors, and always follow the authorities’ instructions,” emphasized the town hall.
The local authority advised populations to avoid smoke exposure and unnecessary travel to reduce risks and not interfere with rescue operations.
This fire, which began on the 13th in Arganil, in the Coimbra district, has already affected three municipalities in the Castelo Branco district (Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Covilhã).
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large-scale rural fires since July, mostly in the North and Central regions.
The fires have resulted in three deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some serious, and have destroyed homes, agricultural and livestock operations, as well as forested areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has access to two Fire Boss planes and a Super Puma helicopter, with the arrival of two more Canadair planes expected later today.
According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares have burned in the country, with more than 53,000 hectares consumed by the fire that began in Arganil.
