Wildfire near Évora contained after spreading from trash bin; one firefighter injured, investigation launched
A wildfire that broke out in scrubland near Évora, Portugal, on Wednesday afternoon was brought under control by early evening. One firefighter suffered minor injuries, and authorities are investigating who deposited hot ashes in a trash bin that ignited the blaze.
Fire origin and spread
The fire started in a trash bin in the village of Valverde, near Évora, after someone allegedly deposited ashes there. The alert was raised at 14:54 on 8 July. By the time emergency crews arrived, flames had already jumped to an adjacent agricultural field and were consuming pasture and scrub between Évora and Valverde.
The alert was for a fire in detritus, but upon arrival we found it had already spread to agricultural land.
Response and containment
Firefighters battled the blaze through the afternoon. At 17:10, 135 operacionais were on scene with 42 vehicles and six aerial assets, including water-bombing planes and a helicopter. The fire was moving along a water line, which complicated access. By 18:15, the force had grown to 141 operacionais and 44 vehicles, and the fire was “ceding to the means” but still had one active front. The incident commander said the fire line was heading toward the Gesamb landfill but never reached it thanks to the intervention.
The fire line was heading toward the landfill, but it did not get there or even close, due to the firefighters’ intervention.
The fire was declared dominated at 19:30. In total, 152 operacionais, 50 vehicles and six aerial means were involved.
- Alert received for fire in detritus; upon arrival, flames had spread to agricultural land.
- 135 operacionais, 42 vehicles, 6 aerial means deployed; one active front.
- 141 operacionais, 44 vehicles, 4 aerial means; fire ceding to means but still active.
- Fire declared dominated; total of 152 operacionais, 50 vehicles, 6 aerial means involved.
Casualties and damage
No homes were threatened or damaged. One firefighter sustained minor injuries described as “due to trauma” and was transported to the hospital in Évora.
Investigation
The GNR (National Republican Guard) has opened an inquiry to identify the person who deposited the ashes. A GNR source confirmed that the fire originated in the trash bin and that efforts are underway to trace the individual responsible.
The GNR is carrying out steps to identify the person who deposited the ashes.
