Locals evacuated from blaze

A total of 163 bombeiros, 24 fire trucks and two helicopters from Portalegre and Leiria were drafted in to battle one of the biggest fires so far this year, which broke out in Fonte Salgada on the outskirts of Tavira. As we went to press, the fire, which had already been burning for two days, was still considered a threat. Concerned about the safety of local residents and businesses, Canudo Sena, Faro Emergency Operations Co-ordinator, had given orders to evacuate people living close to the blaze. Sena explained that the fire was growing fiercer because of the strong winds and revealed that the Via do Infante motorway had been closed near the Spanish border because of the blaze.