At a press conference held today at 10:30 am in Tramelo, Aljezur, Abel Gomes revealed that the two "complicated rekindlings" observed overnight in the Feiteira area "have been brought under control."

According to the deputy commander of the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command (CREPC), operations are now "focused on consolidating some areas, monitoring, and extinguishing fires, with close attention being paid to the coming hours."

"During the night, we had some fire reactivations in the Feiteira area, and during the afternoon [on Tuesday] another one increased the size of the fire, but these were brought under control by the firefighters stationed on the ground," he noted.

According to the official, the fire, located in the municipality of Lagos, "does not have any active fronts," admitting, however, that there may be "some reactivations."

Four Army platoons are also involved in the operations and will be deployed throughout the fire perimeter for consolidation, extinguishing, and surveillance operations.

"These military personnel arrived today and will free up firefighters for other situations that may arise," he said.

Abel Gomes warned that the coming hours "will require close attention, with the commitment of all forces, to prevent further reactivations."

At the same time, he expressed concern about the forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) regarding the approach of Hurricane Gabriel, which could bring strong winds of around 100 kilometres per hour.

"We are monitoring the hurricane's approach with some concern, with strong winds that could impact this area," he emphasised.

So far, 14 people have been treated, four of whom required hospital treatment for minor injuries, Abel Gomes said.

The commander also estimated the area burned by the flames that broke out shortly after noon on Sunday in Bordeira, in the municipality of Aljezur, to be approximately 2,000 hectares.

A total of 765 personnel, 230 vehicles, 13 aircraft (including planes and helicopters), and 13 tracked machines are still being mobilised to extinguish the fire.

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