“I received with deep sadness the news of the tragic accident that claimed the life of a firefighter,” Luís Montenegro stated on the social network X, extending “the sincerest condolences” to the family members.
In his message, Montenegro wished a “speedy recovery” to the four injured in the accident, also firefighters, highlighting that “Portugal owes much to its firefighters.”
“They do not give up and put in all their effort and suffering to protect and defend us,” he emphasized.
According to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, the accident that resulted in the death of a firefighter from the Covilhã brigade occurred at 7:10 pm and injured four others, all firefighters.
The fire they were heading to broke out in the locality of Quinta do Campo, in the municipality of Fundão.
According to the Sub-Regional Command of Beiras and Serra da Estrela of Civil Protection, the accident occurred in the village of São Francisco de Assis, in the municipality of Covilhã, district of Castelo Branco, which also includes the Fundão municipality.
I received with deep sadness the news of the tragic accident that claimed the life of a firefighter. I extend to the family the sincerest condolences and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Portugal owes much to its firefighters, who do not give up and put in all their effort and…
— Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegro_PT) August 17, 2025
Mainland Portugal has been affected by numerous rural fires since July, particularly in the northern and central regions, in a context of high temperatures that led to the declaration of a state of alert since August 2.
The fires have resulted in two deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly not serious, and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, 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 strengthen the firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, by August 17, 172,000 hectares have burned in the country, exceeding the total area burned throughout 2024.
