Portugal forest fires spark urgent Foreign Office travel warning

Hundreds of people have been evacuated from holiday retreats in parts of the Algarve due to the fires.

Upwards of 700 firefighters have been battling the blaze for the past three days in and around the town of Monchique in Portugal’s Faro region.

Temperatures in Portugal and Spain peaked at around 46C at the weekend, just shy of both countries’ respective records.

The high temperatures though have given rise to forest fires, which authorities have struggled to control.

Late on Sunday night (August 5), the Foreign Office (FCO) issued fresh guidance to British travellers in the region.

“The fire has now reached the town of Monchique, and Portuguese authorities are evacuating affected areas of the town and surrounding areas,” said the FCO.

“If you are in this area, follow the instructions of the Portuguese police and civil protection authorities. Civil Protection Portugal can be reached on 800 246 246 or www.prociv.pt.

“For your own safety, travel to the Monchique area is not advised under any circumstances until cleared by the Portuguese authorities.”