Portugal, already grappling with temperatures reaching 40°C, is now facing a massive wildfire spreading across the central region of the country. Since Friday 4 August, the fire has already consumed 7,000 hectares and threatens more than 20,000, according to civil protection officials.
A fast-spreading and destructive fire
The fire, which broke out in the municipality of Castelo Branco, destroyed 6,000 hectares within the first 24 hours. The ash and smoke from the fire even reached the pilgrimage town of Fátima, where more than 200,000 pilgrims had gathered.
🔥 More than a thousand firefighters were mobilised to bring a major fire under control in the centre of the #Portugal 🇵🇹 This Sunday.
The#fire destroyed 7,000 hectares and caused minor injuries to a dozen people pic.twitter.com/NqST8eWwX3— FRANCE 24 Français (@France24_fr) 7 August 2023
A strong response
More than a thousand firefighters have been mobilised in a desperate effort to contain the flames. Fourteen people have been reported to have suffered minor injuries. Commander José Guilherme, who is in charge of operations, explained that the team was concentrating on stabilising the fire, the perimeter of which has already reached 60 km. Firefighters are focusing on four hotspots, whilst efforts to bring the flames under control continue.
Villages and homes under threat
"It is a very large area with many isolated homes and villages," Commander Guilherme emphasised. Protecting people and property remains an absolute priority. Tiago Bugio, a civil protection official, said that two fronts of the fire remained active, whilst a third front heading towards the Algarve had been brought under control.
The situation in Spain
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Spain, a fire that has burnt nearly 600 hectares in Catalonia (north-west) is under control, despite strong winds.
Weather forecasts and future risks
With temperatures continuing to rise, the fire risk is considered to be “very high or extreme” across the whole of Portugal over the coming days. Efforts are continuing not only to bring this devastating fire under control, but also to prepare the country for future risks.
Forest fires will continue to monitor this critical situation and provide updates as new information becomes available.