Fire in Castelo Branco still active
With Portugal entering the ‘most severe risk period’ for forest fires (July 1 to September 30), over 40 incidents were being reported just on Sunday – one of the most significant being a forest fire that broke out in Castelo Branco and was, at the time, not threatening any homes or communities.
The fire remains active today, even though there was thought to have been some respite last night.
Lusa reports that it surged back in force in the early hours of this morning.
Authorities are carrying out a ‘reassessment’ of the situation which yesterday saw nine firefighting aircraft dousing the flames from the air, and dozens of vehicles and firefighters on the ground.
The current heatwave is making the national situation all the more critical. IPMA sea and atmosphere institute has placed seven mainland districts on red alert until Tuesday: Lisbon, Setúbal, Santarém, Évora, Beja, Castelo Branco and Portalegre.
Remaining districts are under orange (the second most serious) and yellow warnings.
Cooler temperatures are only expected from Wednesday.
Source: LUSA
