UK citizens evacuated due to wildfires in Portugal

According to Richard Marques, regional commander of Portugal’s Civil Protection, several properties were affected by the fires, but there is no need for “rehousing” of the people just yet.

 

As Reuters agency reported, almost 900 firefighters are currently trying to put out several blazes in Leiria, while the authorities have deployed a total number of 2.841 firefighters to try to address the wildfires across mainland Portugal. The events are the result of up to 47 degrees Celsius temperatures in some parts of Europe, Portugal included, with an accent on Santarem and Castelo Branco where the thermometer readings are extreme.

Unfortunately, 135 people suffered minor injuries, while more than 800 were evacuated so far, the Civil Protection Authority stated. Affected areas include Quinta do Lago, Faro (Gambelas) and Loulé.

More than 20 blazes have ravaged Portugal and western Spain so far, significantly impacting local villages, as well as foreign tourists’ holidays.

The United Kingdom, for example, has recently issued a new travel warning on Portugal, with tourists at risk of being prosecuted if not compliant with the current state of contingency regulations, by which the civil protection and police are in charge with instructions for the general population. The rules during the current wildfires feature a ban on: access in woodlands, forests and rural trails, burning waste, burning of agricultural areas, use of woodland and gardening machinery, use of fireworks, and so on.

The risk of the fire spreading is considered to be high all over the country. Officials expect further decisions will be needed to protect both locals and tourists, such as evacuate more regions and close more access roads.

The UK Foreign Office commented:

"Forest fires can occur anywhere in Portugal during the summer months. In recent years, fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures.

"Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons."

The UK travel advice for Portugal urges UK nationals to remain vigilant while on holiday and regularly get updates and information on the wildfire situation, as well as get to know the emergency procedures and of course follow the instructions issued by Portuguese authorities. Moreover, an official IPMA fire danger map is available for online users.

source: ttgmedia.com, theportugalnews.com, portugal.com