Two fires in Proença-a-Nova: More than 800 personnel on site, flames reached close to houses

Fighting two separate rural fires continues in the municipality of Proença-a-Nova in the Castelo Branco region of Portugal. While more than 800 personnel and hundreds of vehicles participated in the operations as of Tuesday morning, the mayor announced that no residences have been burned and no injuries have been recorded so far.

The first of the fires started at around 16:05 on Monday in the Alvito da Beira and Sobreira Formosa region. The second fire broke out in Atalaia at 19.26 the same evening.

According to the morning data of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Agency (ANEPC), 632 operational personnel and 203 vehicles were on duty in the Alvito da Beira–Sobreira Formosa fire. 198 personnel and 67 vehicles were responding to the fire in Atalaia. Thus, the number of personnel on the field in two fires reached 830.

Flames came close to houses in Cerejeira

Proença-a-Nova Mayor João Lobo said that there were critical moments throughout the night, especially in the Cerejeira settlement, and the flames reached very close to the houses.

According to the municipality's assessment in the morning, there is no record of any houses burning or people being injured. However, damage occurred to sheds, barns, warehouses and forest areas.

After the work carried out throughout the night, the situation became calmer in the morning. Despite this, the area around the fire is not yet completely under control.

fire risk not just limited to Proença-a-Nova

In a separate warning issued on September 14, ANEPC pointed out that the combination of high temperatures, low humidity and wind on the Portuguese mainland created favorable conditions for the start and rapid spread of rural fires.

Therefore, the fires in Proença-a-Nova occur at a time when the fire danger is increasing in many parts of the country.

Authorities call on the use of fire to be avoided, especially in rural areas, to comply with the rules regarding equipment that may pose a fire risk in agricultural and forestry activities, and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Resources

RTP / Lusa — 15 September 2026

https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/dois-fogos-em-proenca-a-nova-mobilizam-mais-de-800-bombeiros_n1765481

Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil — 14 September 2026

https://prociv.gov.pt/temp-warnings/