Two Spanish Canadair planes to support firefighting in Monchique

Two Canadair planes, made available by the Spanish Government, will help fight the fire that is still active in the Serra de Monchique. 

The announcement was made by Artur Neves, Secretary of State for Civil Protection. If there are "conditions", the Canadair can start fighting the fire this afternoon.

What is certain is that, due to the thick smoke that hangs over the area, aerial means cannot yet operate in the most inaccessible areas. The helicopters are even stopped at the Monchique helipad, waiting for safe conditions to be able to lift and help fight the flames.

Em press conference, held a few minutes ago, Jorge Botelho, president of the District Civil Protection Commission of Faro, added that “95%” of the fire is “under control”.

Vítor Vaz Pinto, operational commander of the Algarve, said, in turn, that the 5% of the fire that has not yet been controlled is "in an area inaccessible to land resources" and of "high danger".