According to Sul Informação, the Quinta Shopping centre has been evacuated due to the fires in the local area, while several properties have also been evacuated for safety.

The swimming pools of many of the properties are being used for air resources to refuel.

At the moment, entry into Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo is prohibited – even for residents.

This fire, which started in Gambelas (Faro) last night, has spread to Quinta do Lago (Loulé), and currently 324 firefighters and 113 vehicles, supported by three air assets are battling the blaze.

Reinforcements to fight the fires are now coming from Baixo Alentejo.