Portugal: Algarve fires continue to spread August 9 /update 3

Event

Wildfires in Algarve region continue to spread as of Thursday, August 9. At least 44 people have been injured since the blazes started on Friday, August 3, near Monchique (Faro district). As of Thursday, at least 23,500 hectares (58,000 acres) of land have been scorched. Approximately 2500 people have been forced to evacuate areas threatened by the fires. Also on Thursday, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a travel warning advising against all travel to areas affected by the fires. Further evacuation notices are possible in the coming hours and days as efforts to contain the fires 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 wildfires, 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.