Massive Blaze Ravages Carvoeiro: Popular Algarve Town Struggles With Aftermath of Unprecedented Fire
By Sofia Martins | Algarve Daily Times | May 25, 2025
Carvoeiro, Portugal – A devastating wildfire tore through the scenic coastal town of Carvoeiro on Sunday afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and dry vegetation, is being described by local authorities as one of the most intense the Algarve region has seen in recent years.
The fire reportedly began shortly before 2:00 p.m. in a patch of scrubland near Vale do Milho Golf, just east of Carvoeiro’s main residential area. Within hours, flames had engulfed several residential neighborhoods and threatened the town’s iconic cliffs and beaches, a favorite destination for summer travelers.
By early evening, firefighting units from across the region, including teams from Lagoa, Portimão, and Silves, had joined the effort to contain the blaze. Over 150 firefighters, supported by 40 vehicles and four Canadair water bombers, battled to stop the fire from reaching the historic town center.
Lagoa’s civil protection officer, Rui Ferreira, confirmed in a press conference late Sunday night that the fire had “destroyed or severely damaged at least 18 homes,” including a number of high-end holiday villas. No deaths have been reported, but three people were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and minor burns.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
The sudden escalation of the fire prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for parts of the Quinta do Paraiso area and streets surrounding the Algar Seco cliffs. Tourists at nearby hotels, including the Monte Dourado Resort and Carvoeiro Plaza, were rushed to safety by police and fire crews.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as plumes of thick smoke darkened the sky, ash rained down on the beach, and sirens echoed across the town.
“We were having lunch at a terrace café when we saw the smoke,” said Emma Clarke, a British tourist who was visiting Carvoeiro with her family. “Within minutes, everything was covered in smoke. The waiters told us to leave immediately. We didn’t even have time to grab our things.”
Residents also worked together to help each other escape the fast-moving flames. Jorge Santos, a longtime Carvoeiro resident, used his pickup truck to drive elderly neighbors to safety. “It was like something from a disaster film,” he said. “I’ve lived here my whole life and never seen anything like it.”
Infrastructure Damage and Power Cuts
The fire also severely disrupted local infrastructure. Large sections of the town experienced power outages, while internet and phone service were intermittent through the night. The main access road from Lagoa into Carvoeiro was closed for over 12 hours due to poor visibility and falling debris.
Schools and local businesses are expected to remain closed on Monday as emergency crews continue to assess the extent of the damage. The local government has set up temporary shelters at the Lagoa municipal sports complex and is providing food and emergency assistance to displaced families.
Environmental Impact
Environmentalists warn that the fire has likely caused extensive damage to the fragile cliffside ecosystem that borders the Atlantic. The natural parklands near Praia do Carvalho and the walking trails along the Carvoeiro boardwalk were directly in the fire’s path.
“This was an ecologically sensitive area,” said Marta Lemos, a biologist with the Algarve Conservation Society. “It will take years to recover. Some habitats may never return to their original state.”
Investigation Underway
Although the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, early reports suggest it may have been triggered by illegal burning of agricultural waste, a practice that continues despite repeated government bans during high-risk periods.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation. “We will not tolerate negligence that puts lives, homes, and our natural heritage at risk,” said Minister for the Environment António Nunes, who visited the site Monday morning.
Community Response and Rebuilding
In the aftermath of the fire, local organizations have mobilized to support those affected. The Carvoeiro Volunteer Fire Department, hailed as heroes for their quick response, has received an outpouring of community support. Donations of clothes, food, and hygiene products have poured into drop-off points around Lagoa and Silves.
Carvoeiro Mayor Helena Correia promised a swift response: “We are heartbroken, but we are not defeated. Carvoeiro will rebuild stronger. We are already working with regional and national partners to begin the recovery.”
International support has also been expressed, with British and German consulates offering assistance to their nationals affected by the fire.
As dawn broke Monday morning, smoke still lingered in the air, and a blackened landscape stretched across the once-green hills. Firefighters remained on alert, concerned about flare-ups in the wind. For now, the community faces the long road of recovery—physically, emotionally, and economically.