Fire Outbreak at Albufeira Holidays Apartment Shakes Tourists and Locals Alike
Albufeira, Portugal — May 24, 2025
A sudden and intense fire erupted early Saturday morning at the Albufeira Holidays apartment complex, sending plumes of black smoke over the coastal resort town and prompting the evacuation of over 70 residents and tourists. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, where flames consumed a significant portion of the top floor of Block B before being brought under control by late morning.
According to preliminary reports by the Algarve Civil Protection Authority, the fire is believed to have started shortly before 6:00 AM in a third-floor apartment occupied by a British family on holiday. The cause remains under investigation, though early statements suggest an electrical fault in a portable air-conditioning unit may be to blame.
“The speed at which the fire spread was alarming,” said João Carvalho, commander of the Albufeira Fire Brigade. “Flammable materials inside the apartment accelerated the flames, and by the time we arrived, multiple units were already engulfed.”
Tourists woken by sirens and smoke alarms fled in pajamas and dressing gowns, many gathering in the nearby parking lot, visibly shaken. Witnesses described scenes of panic, confusion, and fear as thick smoke billowed from balconies and fire crews raced to rescue those still inside.
“I was asleep when I heard shouting and glass shattering,” said Angela Whitmore, 47, visiting from Manchester with her two teenage children. “I opened the door and saw the hallway full of smoke. We grabbed towels, covered our faces, and ran down the stairs.”
Firefighters deployed ladders to reach those trapped on upper floors, rescuing at least six people who had taken refuge on balconies. Among them was a German couple celebrating their honeymoon. Both were treated for minor smoke inhalation but are expected to make a full recovery.
The fire was declared under control by 9:45 AM, though firefighters remained on-site well into the afternoon to extinguish hot spots and secure the structure. No fatalities have been reported, though twelve people were treated for smoke inhalation, including three children. Four individuals were taken to Hospital de Faro for observation, with one elderly man listed in stable condition after suffering a panic-induced cardiac episode.
Residents and visitors praised the swift actions of emergency responders. “They were incredible,” said Pedro Almeida, a local concierge who helped guide guests to safety. “They risked their lives to get everyone out. We are lucky this didn’t become a tragedy.”
The apartment complex, known for its proximity to Albufeira’s Old Town and scenic beaches, is a popular choice among tourists during the summer season. Saturday’s fire has raised concerns about safety protocols and building maintenance, particularly as the region heads into peak tourist months.
In a press statement, Albufeira Holidays management expressed relief that no lives were lost and pledged full cooperation with authorities. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and are committed to assisting all affected guests,” the statement read. “Our priority remains the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Management confirmed that the affected block will be closed for inspection and repair. Guests in adjacent buildings have been relocated to nearby accommodations. A temporary help center has also been set up in the complex’s reception area, offering counseling, translation services, and assistance with travel documents lost in the fire.
Despite the disruption, local businesses have stepped up to support affected tourists. Restaurants and cafes in the area offered free meals and drinks to displaced guests throughout the day. The Albufeira Tourism Office coordinated with embassy representatives to help visitors replace passports and arrange alternative lodging.
The mayor of Albufeira, Rui Costa, visited the site Saturday afternoon and thanked first responders for their dedication. “This could have been far worse if not for the rapid and courageous response of our firefighters and emergency workers,” he stated. “We will conduct a thorough investigation and ensure every safety regulation is reviewed.”
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the incident, with a focus on the building’s electrical systems and fire alarm functionality. Some guests reported that the smoke alarms were delayed or failed to go off entirely, raising questions about whether the building met current fire safety standards.
“We were told there were detectors in every room, but ours didn’t go off,” said Dylan Morris, a guest from Dublin. “If it hadn’t been for the noise outside, we might not have woken up.”
Portuguese fire code regulations require that all tourist accommodations be equipped with functional smoke detectors and emergency exits, though enforcement has sometimes been lax, especially in older buildings.
The Albufeira Holidays complex, constructed in the late 1990s, underwent partial renovation in 2020. It’s unclear whether recent upgrades included full fire safety compliance. Inspectors from the national fire authority are expected to release an official report within the next ten days.
In the meantime, the town is coming together to support those affected. Local hotels have offered discounted rooms, and community volunteers are gathering donations of clothes and essentials. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a group of tourists had raised over €10,000 within hours to support victims of the fire.
As the sun set over the Algarve coast Saturday evening, the charred remains of the upper-floor apartments stood in stark contrast to the normally festive atmosphere of Albufeira. Though the fire has been extinguished, questions remain — and for many, the holiday they had dreamed of turned into an unforgettable ordeal.