A fire has been raging across the tinder-dry Monchique area this Friday afternoon with one house already destroyed as 230 fire service staff tackle the ‘complex’ blaze on the hottest day of the year, so far.
Strong afternoon winds have made the task close to impossible as the mountainside bush and eucalyptus catches alight.
Nine aircraft have been dropping water and retardants on the fire in the Perna da Negra area but there is there is a lot of wind and accuracy is hampered.
Two Fire Boss aircraft, five light helicopters and two Kamov heavy helicopters are engaged in fighting the fire that started this afternoon at around 13.30.
Civil Protection said mid-afternoon that it did not have information on how many houses has been affected and whether anyone had been killed or injured.
A rural area in Monchique, Portela das Eiras, was hit by a fire on Thursday afternoon, but this was put out after a couple of hours by 113 men and six aircraft.
The IPMA’s red alert, due to the high temperatures accompanies by high wind, has been extended to 11 districts of mainland Portugal until the Sunday afternoon as temperatures will be above 40°C in much of the country.
The Monchique fire in the Perna da Negra area has destroyed at least one a house and forced the evacuation of the village of Taipas as the fire, on two fronts, sweeps across the hillside towards the Alentejo’s Odemira Council area.
Nine planes and helicopters are at work backed by 63 vehicles but conditions are deadly: the wind is strong, the heat is intense. It is by all accounts the hottest day of the year so far, during an ‘unprecedented heatwave’ set to stay in place until at least Sunday.
UPDATE - Friday 17:00
One of the two fronts of this afternoon’s fire at Perna da Negra in Monchique now is under control, according to the local mayor.
This leaves one active front heading south through a eucalyptus forest that belongs to the paper company, Navigator.
There now are 413 firefighters, 121 vehicles, and 9 aircraft involved, plus a reconnaissance aircraft relaying information to ground control.
Saturday 08:00
The fire raged on overnight and air support this morning resumed its water drops. Around 700 firefighters now are involved from stations across the region and are trying to stop this major fire. Overnight, machinery was used to create more firebreaks.
The village of Foz do Carvalhoso has been evacuated, in addition to the earlier evacuation of Taipas.
Ten firefighters and one forestry worker have been treated for 'light injuries.' These injuries mainly are due to exhaustion and smoke inhalation.
The house that was said to have been burned down is now reported as agricultural building or buildings.
Supplies needed: The Associação de Alerta do Incéndio Florestal is arranging pick up points to get supplies to the area. Check this out on its Facebook page which calls for help:
"Supplies are needed and can be delivered to SILVES bomberios and they will transport them to Monchique. Please do not take supplies direct to Monchique, the roads need to be kept clear for emergency vehicles.
So we need
Bottles of water no bigger than 500ml
Energy drinks
Tetra-paks (fruit Juice)
Snack bars
energy bars
toiletries men and women
cotton socks , men and women , these do not have to be new , I am sure the washing machine will help find odd socks :)
old towels
burn creams
wet wipes
and also during a fire fruit, basically "HAND" food
Safe Communities Portugal has the following official information for readers:
Monchique fire protection advice from the government:
http://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/monchique-fire-protection-and-advice-from-government/
and download this .pdf file 'Safe Village Safe People - Protecting yourself against rural fires'
