Wildfire forces EN2 closure in Loulé, no evacuations as strong winds fan flames in Serra do Caldeirão
A wildfire burning since late morning in the Serra do Caldeirão near Loulé has forced closure of the EN2 highway, but authorities say no residents have been evacuated despite flames approaching dispersed houses.
Outbreak and early response
A wildfire broke out on Tuesday morning in a scrub and pine forest area at Besteiros, in the Ameixial parish of Loulé, Algarve. The alert was received at 10:49 and the EN2 trunk road was closed in both directions by 11:25 as a preventive measure, Civil Protection sources confirmed.
The fire is covering a large area because the wind is very strong, with fire projections up to 500 metres.
Firefighting effort grows
Initial response involved 156 operatives, 46 vehicles and 9 aircraft at around 13:30, according to the Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command. By 16:00 the force had grown to 255 operatives with 77 ground vehicles and nine aerial assets, two of which were assigned to coordination. Numbers continued to rise, reaching 265 operatives and 82 vehicles by 16:30 as units from Alentejo Litoral were dispatched to reinforce the operation.
- Wildfire reported at Besteiros, Ameixial parish.
- EN2 closed in both directions as preventive measure.
- 156 operatives, 46 vehicles and 9 aircraft deployed.
- Force grows to 255 operatives; strong winds hamper containment.
- Reinforcements from Alentejo Litoral en route; 265 operatives on scene.
Difficult conditions
Strong wind gusts and long-range fire projections were the main obstacles for crews on the ground. The presence of smoke and overhead power lines restricted aerial drops, regional operational commander Abel Gomes told TSF. One unoccupied house near the EN2 suffered damage to two rooms, with initial assessments suggesting a spark entered through the roof and the fire began from the inside out. No other buildings were reported damaged.
The wind gusts we are experiencing, strong gusts, make it difficult to reach the fire front because they are constantly creating spot fires.
Local impact
Scattered houses lie in the fire's path, but authorities stated no evacuations have been ordered. Residents of the Ameixial nursing home remain confined indoors under safety protocols. The director of the home decided against evacuation, the Civil Protection said earlier, and conditions were described as secure. No injuries have been recorded.
We are maintaining everything under surveillance and protection with local means, with some confinements, but there is no evacuation of either houses or villages.
Reinforcements deployed
A Rural Firefighting Brigade from Alentejo Litoral, commanded by Miguel Vicente of the Santo André fire service, set off with vehicles from Santo André, Grândola and Alvalade. Additional resources from the Setúbal Peninsula, Greater Lisbon, Baixo Alentejo, Alentejo Central and Alto Alentejo were also mobilised and heading to the Algarve.
