Over 100 responders battle wildfire in Ourique, cutting Southern rail line
The blaze ignited around 17:10 in the Laborela area of the União das Freguesias de Panóias e Conceição. Authorities said difficult access hampered firefighting efforts, and the fire spread close to the Southern railway line, halting train traffic since 17:49. By late evening, 110 operatives and 36 vehicles were engaged, and an aircraft briefly joined the operation. No homes were threatened and no one was hurt.
A wildfire involving grass, pasture and eucalyptus started on Thursday afternoon in the Laborela zone of Ourique, within the Beja district. The alert was issued at 17:10, and the fire quickly moved toward the Southern railway line, forcing a suspension of train services from 17:49. Emergency officials highlighted that rugged terrain made containment challenging.
By around 21:30, the Proteção Civil reported that 110 personnel, supported by 36 ground vehicles and a single aircraft, were actively combating the flames. José Horta, second sub-regional commander of the Baixo Alentejo emergency service, confirmed the situation to Lusa. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no residential structures were at risk.
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