More than 100 firefighters tackle Monchique wildfire – Portugal Resident
More than 100 firefighters, supported by ground crews and aircraft, have been battling a wildfire that broke out early this morning in a forested area of Monchique, in the Algarve.
The fire started at 4.58am in Vale de Água, in the parish of Marmelete, according to the Algarve sub-regional command of Portugal’s National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).
By 11am, the operation involved 115 firefighters, 34 vehicles and three aircraft, according to Civil Protection.
Abel Gomes, deputy regional commander of the Algarve sub-regional command, told Lusa the blaze was burning through scrubland and eucalyptus trees in an area with difficult access.
Strong winds were also complicating firefighting efforts, prompting authorities to deploy aerial resources from 8.30am to help contain the flames.
Despite the challenging conditions, Gomes said the fire was not threatening any homes.
Monchique is among the areas placed under maximum wildfire risk this Saturday by the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), following a period of hot, dry and windy weather that has heightened fire danger across parts of the country.
The incident remained under control later in the morning, with crews continuing consolidation work to prevent flare-ups. More than 100 firefighters remained at the scene alongside three aircraft and heavy machinery.
