“I wouldn't like to say that it is extinguished yet, at this point, because the fire was very large and there may still be some hot spots that could cause some rekindling that will probably be put out relatively easily”, said António Nunes, in statements to the Lusa news agency at 10:00.

He added, that the situation “does not require special care” and there is no longer “anyone specifically assigned to this task”.

According to António Nunes, the Rural Firefighting Teams (ECIR) are currently on the ground and, in addition to their normal activity, “will take extra care with these areas that have burned”.

These are “the resources that were already there before the fire started and that will continue until 30 November” and that “are part of the rural firefighting teams that are on the ground as usual, as they are every year”, he explained.

Regarding the teams that travelled from the mainland and the Azores to help fight the fire, the official indicated that they would return today.

The mainland team will return on Air Force flights scheduled for late afternoon today and Tuesday, while the Azores team will fly on civilian flights, he said.

“We are very grateful for their service and the help they gave us. They are now ready to return to their homes,” he added.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System indicate that more than 5,045 hectares of area have been burned.