Two Canadair planes, two Fireboss, light flame-fighting seaplanes, and three helicopters, including a Kamov bomber, helped this afternoon to control fire in the Serra de Monchique, which was declared "in resolution" at 18:15.
The two Canadairs, who had been fired at around 16:30 pm, even arrived in the mountains at 18:35 pm, after it was announced on the website of the National Civil Protection Authority that the fire was under control.
Rui André, mayor of Monchique, told the Sul Informação that, “as there were some houses close to the place where the fire started, in Portela do Vento, fire engines were immediately placed there, for whatever happened”.
«Since Monchique is a priority area, some actions were soon defined, in case it was necessary to move people, but it was not necessary. At first, many resources were allocated to fight this fire, which ended up being confined to the side of a hillside», added the mayor, who is monitoring the actions at the site.
Rui André added that the two Canadair planes, which came to the Algarve from the base in Seia, "did one unload each" and should now return to the base. But as long as there is light, and to ensure the aftermath, at least the three helicopters will continue their action.
Four crawler machines are now coming into action, which "will make the entire perimeter", to "consolidate the aftermath and avoid re-ignition".
The fire broke out at 15:31, at the Portela do Vento site, about five kilometers north of the town of Monchique, and along the EN266 road, which connects to Sabóia.
According to the Prociv website, there are still 182 operational personnel, supported by 53 vehicles, as well as seven air vehicles. However, the mayor of Monchique told our newspaper that some of the firefighters who had been mobilized "didn't get here, because, fortunately, they are no longer needed and some means have been dispensed with."
The fire, in an area of forest and eucalyptus, exploded at 15:31 pm, having progressed quickly due to the strong wind that blows in the mountains. «The place is called Portela do Vento because it is really windy there», explained Rui André. «If there is little wind in the village, there is always a lot».
Photos: Nelson Ignatius | Sul Informação
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