Fire in Lagos mobilizes more than 500 operators

The fire that broke out this Sunday in Bordeira, Aljezur, remains active on two fronts after advancing uncontrolled toward Lagos during the early hours of the morning. As of 8:00 a.m. this Monday, more than 500 firefighters, supported by seven aircraft, were still fighting the fire.

"The fire in the municipality of Lagos is burning this morning with two active fronts, but no populations or homes are at risk," a source from the Algarve Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command told Lusa. In an update at 10:00 am, Abel Gomes, Commander of the Algarve Civil Protection, reported, however, that nine victims had been recorded: "Two people were taken to the hospital, a firefighter and a civilian, nothing serious or worrying," he stated.

"It's going to be a difficult day," he assured, as the wind will remain constant throughout the day. "We have a lot of work ahead of us until the fire is declared under control," he stated, noting that 70% of the fire is already under control, while the remaining 30% is the area of ​​greatest concern, representing "seven to eight kilometers of unsolved fire."

During the early hours of the morning, the fire forced people to evacuate as a precaution in the town of Barão de São João, but by 3:00 am everyone had returned to their homes.

"Overnight the winds calmed, helping with the firefighting, but the winds are expected to intensify this morning. At this time [8:00 a.m.], we have 513 personnel on site, supported by 181 vehicles, 10 tracked machines, and seven aerial vehicles," he said.

According to the source, in the municipality of Aljezur, in the district of Faro, where the fire broke out, the situation calmed down when the fire moved towards Lagos, with a front “with some activity” being recorded.

Lagos Mayor Hugo Pereira told Observador that, after "a night of hard work," the wind is now returning, but they expect it "not to be as strong." "With the night's work, things are calmer. We can't say it's 100% under control, but it's much more under control," he stated, adding that "there's still not much risk."

“If we could say we had it under control today, it would be great, but the weather conditions will determine it,” he said.

The fire that broke out on Sunday in Bordeira, in the Algarve, shortly after midday, destroyed a second home in Aljezur, which was unoccupied.

(Updated at 10:45 am with statements from the Algarve Civil Protection Commander)