Algarve Firefighters Brace for Intense Night as Wildfire Rages On

Firefighters Face Challenging Night in Algarve Wildfire

Firefighters in the Algarve region are preparing for a night of intense work as they battle a wildfire that broke out on Sunday in Aljezur. According to a source from the Civil Protection agency, the fire remains active with a large perimeter, particularly in the Lagos municipality.

Active Front and Ongoing Challenges

"The fire still has an active front covering a vast area, with hotspots requiring constant attention," stated a source from the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command. Throughout the afternoon, there were multiple reactivations of the fire, forcing a reallocation of resources and immediate responses from the emergency teams.

During the day, firefighters were supported by nine aerial units, but by late afternoon, efforts shifted to repositioning equipment and clearing access paths with tracked machinery. This strategy aims to take advantage of more favorable nighttime weather conditions, including expected decreases in wind and increases in humidity.

Impact and Safety Measures

No additional injuries have been reported beyond the nine minor ones mentioned in the morning briefing by Civil Protection. Similarly, only one more home in Aljezur was affected, despite significant fire projections during the afternoon that required adaptive measures to prevent further spread.

Strong winds have been a major obstacle, causing flames to jump long distances. However, forecasts predict a reduction in wind intensity and rising humidity overnight, offering a "window of opportunity" for crews to gain control.

Terrain and Progress Update

The affected area consists of brushland, along with patches of pine, eucalyptus, and cork oak forests. Initially, the brush zones were hit hardest. As of the morning, the fire was 70% contained, but an eight-kilometer fire line remains a concern, with "worrisome points" in the remaining 30%.

By 19:40, the response involved 541 personnel and 196 vehicles, according to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection. The fire alert was first issued at 15:20 on Sunday in Bordeira, Aljezur, Faro district.