Aljezur fire maintains active front and points of concern

At a press conference, the Algarve's second regional commander for Civil Protection, Abel Gomes, revealed that "there are points of concern" where resources are concentrated to prevent the spread of the fire, "one for the municipality of Vila do Bispo and another for the municipality of Monchique."

"These are very hot spots that worry us," said Abel Gomes, expressing concern about today's weather forecast.

According to the official, the forecast of moderate winds with gusts, a decrease in relative humidity and a slight increase in temperature are conditions that could increase the intensity and spread of the flames.

In a meeting with the press to update the fire situation, Abel Gomes indicated that the fire has had "a very sharp expansion in the bush area", with "very high numbers of around 2,500 meters per hour, which corresponds to 600 hectares per hour".

According to the Algarve's second regional commander, the fire has maintained a very surprising dynamic, sometimes evolving "in the opposite direction to the wind."

To combat the flames, firefighters had to resort to suppressive fire (called counterfire), "a tactical action carried out by specialized people from professional firefighters," he said.

According to Abel Gomes, the wind and the lack of accessibility to the firefront remain the biggest challenges in combating the fire.

"There is no lack of resources, nor of commitment of the elements on the ground, with several aerial resources, including planes and helicopters, remaining in operation between 7:30 am and sunset, some carrying out surgical work," he stressed.

The official said that the fire during the night of Monday « gained some expression in the national forest of Barão de São João, in the municipality of Lagos , towards the village of Vinha Velha, forcing the preventive removal of 10 people from their homes, who can now return home».

According to the National Institute of Medical Emergency ( INEM ), so far 12 people have been treated with minor injuries and only three required hospital assistance.

“These are mild cases that do not require major care,” he stressed.

According to Civil Protection, there are no national roads closed to traffic, with only restrictions on municipal roads and paths in the fire zone, "to ensure greater fluidity of emergency services and greater safety for residents."

Photo: Miguel Galamarra