Tourists have been evacuated after wildfires broke out in Portugal’s Algarve as the country struggles with a heat wave and temperatures exceeding 30C.
The Quinta Do Lago resort, owned by Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien, released a statement saying some areas near the fire have been evacuated as a “precautionary measure”.
The statement read: “Following the fire situation in Quinta do Lago, the management of the Quinta do Lago Group would like to reassure all its residents that it is closely monitoring the situation with the appropriate authorities acting on the spot.
“Some of the most critical areas near the fire have been evacuated as a precaution. We have also decided to close our golf courses, sports facilities and our retail outlets to ensure the well-being of our residents and guests.
“We also want to appeal to the entire community to remain calm and informed while the local authorities are hard at work. Stay safe.”
Declan O’Sullivan from Dublin is on holiday in the area with his wife, daughter and some of his daughter’s friends.
Mr O’Sullivan said a number of well-known restaurants are in danger of being burned down as a result of the fires, and local authorities feared the pine trees around the Quinta do Lago resort could catch fire.
“We are staying in the Quinta do Lago resort, and it is a very popular area with Irish holidaymakers. Within the resort there are a number of separate resorts,” he said.
“Last night my daughter came home with some friends and reported that there were many fires in the area and then we woke up this morning and the sky was quite black from the smoke and soot in the area.
“Helicopters were flying around to fetch water, there was a serious fire at a neighboring resort called Pinheiros Altos, so the helicopters have been working on that fire all morning.
“In our resort, called Vilar Do Golf, which would probably have 180 houses, we were evacuated this morning and we will be able to return shortly.
“The fires appear to be under control in Quinta do Lago, but fires have started in the neighboring resort of Vale Do Lobo and beyond towards Vila Sol.
“Between Quinta do Lago and Vale Do Lobo there are many restaurants and the fire appears to be taking over the adjacent scrubland with these restaurants in danger, so we understand that Vale Do Lobo has also been evacuated.
“So people are either standing on the beach or going to higher ground trying to control the fires there. I think everyone is safe and the volunteer firefighters are doing a phenomenal job”
According to local reports, the fires that broke out in Faro yesterday near the University of Algarve and Faro airport have today spread to other regions, including residential areas.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said it is currently providing consular assistance to Irish citizens in the Algarve.
It has updated its travel advice for Portugal and is warning Irish travelers to be aware of bushfires in the Algarve.
“Irish citizens in Portugal should keep a close eye on the news as the situation can change quickly. Follow the advice of local authorities and be prepared to change your travel plans at short notice.
“If you’re near a wildfire, call 911,” it advises.
Wildfires are a feature of the summer in Portugal, most fires are quickly brought under control, but some can escalate into major events, especially if the weather is very hot and windy. Above all, be careful not to start a fire and take standard fire safety measures , keep away from fire.”
A spokesperson told Independent.ie: “Irish citizens in the region who need consular assistance can contact Ireland’s embassy in Lisbon.”