A fire that broke out in the underground garage of a residential building in the Sistelo housing estate in Paços de Ferreira, near Porto, has left 111 people temporarily displaced and forced the evacuation of nine floors of the building.
The blaze caused significant damage to infrastructure, cutting off water and electricity after sewage systems were destroyed by the flames, reports Correio da Manhã.
Seventeen cars were partially damaged, along with four motorcycles, while another motorbike was completely destroyed. Most residents are staying with family members, while 14 people were placed in a hotel with support from the local council, CM adds.
Firefighters said thick smoke was already billowing from the garage when crews arrived, with high heat levels making the operation more difficult.
Mayor Paulo Ferreira was on site during the response, and PJ police have opened an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
