Loulé wildfire brought under control after overnight battle

A wildfire that mobilised hundreds of firefighters in the municipality of Loulé yesterday has been brought under control following an overnight firefighting operation.

The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday in a rural area of Ameixial, was declared under control at around 4am this Wednesday morning, according to the Algarve Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command.

Despite the progress, a major operation remained in place on Wednesday morning, with 348 firefighters, 123 vehicles and other machinery continuing to monitor and consolidate the affected area.

Authorities said there were no villages at risk as of 6.30am, although two aerial means have been redeployed to support ground crews.

Four firefighters suffered minor injuries during the operation, mainly as a result of falls while tackling the blaze.

During the height of the operation on Tuesday, gusting winds caused spot fires more than 500 metres ahead of the main fire front, complicating efforts to contain the flames.

The blaze also forced the precautionary closure of the EN2 national road near Besteiros in both directions.

At its peak, the firefighting effort involved 12 aerial resources alongside hundreds of firefighters and support personnel.

The cause of the fire has not yet been disclosed.

The incident comes as much of the Algarve remains under heightened wildfire risk due to high temperatures, dry vegetation and seasonal weather conditions that can rapidly accelerate the spread of fire.

Source: LUSA

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.