In addition, there are some 90 projects "with works already underway" or for "imminent start", he told journalists during a visit to four homes being repaired in the area.

Costa noted that these figures meant that work on "more than 66% of the houses" that had been primary residences were concluded or was underway in the area affected by the fires in Pedrógão Grande and Góis in June.

"This is a sign that it has been possible, thanks to the solidarity of the Portuguese, to the way that the various institutions have got together to respond positively to this challenge,” Costa said.

He added that "certainly they won’t all [be concluded] by Christmas" but said that by then work on all of them would at least be underway.

According to figures provided to Lusa by the president of the regional development authority (CCDRC), Ana Abrunhosa, there are 55 such works currently underway, with more still being tendered for or assessed.

In all, the cost of repairing or rebuilding the 238 permanent homes affected in Pedrógão Grande, Castanheira de Pera, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Góis, Pampilhosa da Serra, Sertã and Penela is some €9 million, according to CCDRC documents.

The funds for the works are coming from various sources, including donations from the public made during a concert to raise money for victims of the fires.