Covilhã. Confinement due to fire spreading to Bouça

In this context, the call for confinement was extended to the town of Bouça and remains in place for Unhais da Serra, Cortes de Baixo and Cortes do Meio .

"Given this situation and the risk of reactivation in the affected areas, we reiterate our request to the population to remain in a safe place, adopt self-protection practices, and always follow the instructions of the authorities," he stressed.

The municipality advised residents to avoid exposure to smoke and unnecessary travel, to reduce risks and to avoid interfering with rescue operations.

This fire, which started on the 13th, in Arganil, in the district of Coimbra, has already reached three municipalities in the district of Castelo Branco (Castelo Branco, Fundão and Covilhã).

Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Central regions.

The fires caused three deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some seriously, and totally or partially destroyed first and second homes, as well as agricultural and livestock farms and forest areas.

Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism , under which it has two Fire Boss aircraft and a Super Puma helicopter, with two more Canadair aircraft expected to arrive this Friday.

According to provisional official data, as of August 21, 234,000 hectares had burned in the country, more than 53,000 of which were in the fire that started in Arganil alone.