“What concerns us, and what we have identified as the most pressing situation at the moment, is the Sameiro, Vale da Amoreira and Manteigas triangle. It is an entire area where weather conditions are getting worse and will continue to do so until 19:00”, said Elísio Oliveira.

The official was speaking during a press conference, held at the Teixoso Parish Council (Covilhã), about the fire that has been raging since Saturday in the municipalities of Covilhã (Castelo Branco district) and Manteigas (Guarda district).

“All efforts are currently focused on this triangle. It [fire] is intense and the weather conditions are not favourable,” he concluded.

At 1.30pm 1,161 personnel, 360 vehicles and nine air assets were tackling the blaze.