More than 50 people were evacuated from their homes in Curral das Freiras last night due to the large fire that now has two active fronts in this parish, in the places of Terra Chã and Seara Velha. Manuel Salustino, president of the Parish Council of Curral das Freiras, admitted that “the worst was confirmed” and that Curral was surrounded by fire. The residents were taken to the Church area and then to the Curral das Freiras pavilion.

“So far, I have no knowledge of any houses being hit. We decided to go in, even knowing that there was no possibility of getting out. We tried to save the people and many animals were also saved, but we had a defined escape route which was the old pedestrian path that connects Terra Chã de cima to Terra Chã de baixo”, he explained, adding that for now the fire is calmer, but that Curral is “covered in smoke”.