Portugal: Firefighters continue to battle Algarve fire August 6 /update 2

Event

More than 1150 firefighters are battling a wildfire in the Algarve region as of the evening (local time) of Monday, August 6. According to the Portuguese Civil Protection Agency, the fire was 95 percent contained on Monday, but there is still a risk of reignitions or continued spreading due to shifts in the wind. At least 44 people have required medical assistance since the blaze started on Friday, August 3, near Monchique (Faro district). It has burned approximately 15,000-20,000 hectares (3700-4900 acres) of land and hundreds of people have been evacuated from nearby towns and hotels. On August 6, authorities evacuated the village of Foia as a precaution. Further evacuation notices are possible in the coming hours and days as containment efforts continue.

Context

Portugal is experiencing an extreme heat wave and drought this summer, with temperatures reaching 46°C (115°F) in the south of the country. The country regularly experiences wildfires in the summer months; fires killed at least 66 people in central Portugal in 2017.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.