Odemira fire advanced to the Algarve overnight: Flames reached Silves

The large rural fire that started in Odemira moved south overnight and reached the Algarve region.

Many firefighters and Civil Protection teams worked in the area throughout the night as the fire, which started around Saboia, moved towards São Marcos da Serra in the municipality of Silves.

The latest operational information on the morning of September 25 shows that conditions in firefighting have improved.

The fire moved from Alentejo to Algarve

The fire started on September 24 in the Saboia district of Odemira municipality.

Flames progressed throughout the night, crossing the municipal borders of Odemira and reaching the Silves region in the Algarve.

Especially the area around São Marcos da Serra became one of the critical regions for the operation.

In RTP's information in the morning hours, it was reported that the fire continued with two active fronts.

In the subsequent operational update, it was stated that the fighting conditions were progressing positively and the fire was at the stage of being taken under control.

What does “reached the Algarve” mean?

This statement does not mean that the entire Algarve is under fire threat.

The line of fire progressed from Odemira to the São Marcos da Serra region within the borders of the municipality of Silves.

Therefore, it should not be considered at the same risk level as the tourist areas, especially on the southern coast of the Algarve.

The geographical location of the fire and Civil Protection instructions should be taken into account.

Fire risk is high across the country

Odemira fire is wider part of a period of weather and fire risk.

IPMA has placed more than 70 municipalities on the Portuguese mainland in the maximum rural fire risk category for 25 September.

In more than 90 municipalities, the risk is at "very high" level.

The North, Centro and parts of the Algarve are at particularly high risk.

The risk may continue in the coming days

High temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation create favorable conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly.

According to IPMA forecasts, high or maximum fire risk may continue in some regions in the coming days.

Residents of Portugal need to follow the restrictions in force regarding fire lighting, agricultural burning work and the use of machinery, especially in rural areas.

Resources

RTP — “Incêndios em Odemira e Resende em fase de resolução. Operacionais mantêm-se no terreno”, 25 September 2026

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/incendios-em-odemira-e-resende-em-fase-de-resolucao-operacionais-mantem-se-no-terreno_n1767622

Observador / Lusa — “Mais de 70 concelhos em perigo maximo”, 25 September 2026

https://observador.pt/2026/09/25/incendios-mais-de-70-concelhos-em-perigo-maximo-no-norte-centro-e-algarve/