Arganil fire is under control: Latest situation in the fire that spread to three municipalities

The Arganil fire, which became one of the most important fires of the weekend in the Coimbra region, was brought under control.

There were moments when the fire, which started in Arganil on Saturday afternoon and then spread to neighboring municipalities, threatened residential areas.

According to the last information provided by RTP on the evening of September 20, the fire was under control.

The fire spread to three municipalities

After the fire started in Arganil, it progressed to the surrounding areas and turned into a fire that affected a total of three municipalities.

Due to the flames approaching some residential areas, many firefighters and vehicles were assigned to the region throughout the weekend.

Just because the fire is under control does not mean that there is no longer any risk or that the fire is completely extinguished.

What does “under control” mean?

In Portuguese Proteção Civil terminology, taking a fire under control refers to the stage where the flames are kept within specified safety limits and are not expected to spread beyond these limits under current conditions.

After this, cooling, monitoring and intervention against the risk of re-ignition can continue.

The risk of re-ignition is not completely eliminated in controlled fire areas, especially in hot, dry and windy conditions.

Risk remains high in the region

Although the fire in Arganil was brought under control, meteorological conditions in the Coimbra region remain noteworthy. It requires.

In IPMA's September 21 assessment, some municipalities in the Coimbra region are at maximum rural fire danger.

The maximum temperature in Coimbra is expected to reach approximately 37 degrees today.

Therefore, taking the fire under control and ending the regional fire danger are two separate situations.

Resources

RTP — September 20, 2026

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/incendio-em-arganil-dado-como-dominado_v1766684

IPMA — Perigo de Incêndio Rural

https://www.ipma.pt/pt/riscoincendio/rcm.pt/pir-by-date.jsp