The blaze has since spread to neighbouring Silves and Portimão, and has so far resulted in at least 30 injuries.

Strong winds have in the meantime caused the more than 1,400 firefighters endless problems, with constant changes in wind direction making their task near impossible.

Several homes and vehicles have also been lost in the wildfires, with Monchique also without running water since Monday.

According to official estimates, a total of 17,000 hectares has been scorched by the fires.