Fundão, Portugal, Aug. 21, 2025 (Lusa) - The mayor of Fundão said on Thursday that the priorities for the intervention of air resources have been defined since 8 a.m.. However, at 10.30 a.m. there were still none operating on the fire burning in Fundão.

Speaking to the Lusa news agency, Paulo Fernandes emphasised that there was a risk of missing a window of opportunity to mitigate the situation in the municipality and, in particular, at the points previously defined for air resources to operate in the municipality.

"Since 8 a.m., the priorities for the intervention of air resources have been defined. It's 10.30 and there are no aircraft in action. If nothing is done, the same thing that happened yesterday [Wednesday] will happen," he said.

‘I hope that it will be second time lucky and we'll realise that either we mitigate the fire situation or we'll have a chaotic evening like yesterday [Wednesday], especially in Alpedrinha, Alcongosta and Souto da Casa,’ he said.

The fire, which broke out on the 13th in Arganil, in the district of Coimbra, has now spread to the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Oliveira do Hospital (district of Coimbra), Seia (Guarda), Covilhã, and Castelo Branco (Castelo Branco).

Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, especially in the North and Centre regions.

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

According to the latest provisional report from the Forest Fire Management System (SGIF), updated on Wednesday, the Arganil fire has already consumed 53,224 hectares.

CCC/ADB // ADB.

Lusa