Sabugal wildfire spreads toward Benespera and Penalobo

A wildfire ignited at 15:21 on Tuesday afternoon in the Bendada area of Sabugal, Portugal, and quickly developed two active fronts. One front is moving toward the parish of Benespera in the neighboring Guarda municipality, while the other advances toward Penalobo in Sabugal.

Mayor Vítor Proença said the situation in Bendada is under control and no houses are at risk, but thick vegetation and high‑voltage power lines are hampering aerial firefighting efforts. He explained that crews must wait for the fire to reach roads before they can be effectively attacked.

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority reported that by 20:00, 367 firefighters, 99 vehicles and eight aerial units were on the scene, with additional special fire‑brigade resources expected to assist overnight. Authorities hope the fire can be contained by night.