The golf courses and some villas at the popular Algarve golf resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo had to be evacuated earlier this week after fires caused by the heatwave currently being experienced in Portugal broke out on the sporting estate.
Firefighters were called to Quinta do Lago on Wednesday after fires broke out close to some private villas, with some homeowners and holiday guests evacuated as a precaution.
According to Reuters, over 3,000 firefighters are tackling fires across mainland Portugal, where temperatures have reached 47°c in some parts of the country.
Writing on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Quinta do Lago resort said: “Following the fire situation in Quinta do Lago, the management would like to reassure all its residents that it is closely monitoring the situation with the competent authorities that are acting on site. Some of the most critical areas close to the fire have been evacuated as a precaution. We have also decided to close our golf courses, sports facilities and our outlets to ensure the wellbeing of our residents and guests. We would also like to appeal to the entire community to remain calm, keep updated as local authorities are working hard on the ground. Keep safe.”
“Yesterday was a long, sad, and difficult day for all of us in Quinta, but authorities have reported that the situation is now under control. We still have firefighters on the scene to control and monitor the area, but our golf courses, The Campus, Q Hub, and restaurants, and other facilities have already reopened.
“The well-being and safety of our community were preserved, and thankfully there has been no reported human loss or injury. The fire affected some landscaping areas of the North Course and of some private villas close to the fire. We’d like to thank everyone for their unending and generous help in this situation. Thank you so much to all the brave firefighters and authorities who work tirelessly to keep our resort safe.”
Also on Facebook, a post from the Vale do Lobo resort said: “Yesterday was one of these days when the true community spirit shines through. We would like to thank all the teams, our residents and the entire community for their tireless help and determination to keep everyone safe.”