UPDATE 19:28: 8 PLANES, 213 OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL, 62 VEHICLES

UPDATE 18:55: 8 PLANES, 213 OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL, 62 VEHICLES

UPDATE 18:09: 8 PLANES, 211 OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL, 61 VEHICLES

UPDATE 17:37: 8 PLANES, 207 OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL, 58 VEHICLES

The fire is burning intensely in an area of scrubland near to Monte Clérigo and is closing in on buildings in the area which is near to Vale da Telha.

The fire alert was raised at 3.27pm with fire fighting operatives being sent to the scene immediately.

Strong winds are making it difficult to tackle the blaze which at 5pm saw 151 operational personnel and 39 vehicles involved in fighting the Algarve fire.

A source from the District Command of Operation Relief (CDOS) told Lusa: “The fire is burning with great intensity in an area of scrubland near to some sensitive areas that concern us and to buildings”.