I received a STEP(Smart Travelers government program) alert that 700 firefighters have been deployed to the area around Sintra. Anyone there now?
May need to adjust my travel plans at the end of October.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
I live in Cascais and am here now. This morning I’ve seen firefighting airplanes dip into Cascais bay for water to fight the fires and news reports are that campsites and a few small villages in the Sintra hills have been evacuated. But, I’ve not seen or smelled smoke here in Cascais.
The area between Cascais and Sintra is hilly and forested. It’s my understanding this is the area of the fires. If you plan to stay either in Cascais or Sintra (the towns), there should be no problem. And, with luck, these fires will be long gone by the end of the month.
Posted by
OP
Elmwood, IL, USA
362 posts
Thank you so much..
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1663 posts
The fires are out as of yesterday. Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful coastline and dunes around Guincho beach burned - along with some of the boardwalks across the dunes. Luckily, no serious injuries or homes destroyed.
Posted by
OP
Elmwood, IL, USA
362 posts
I appreciate your update. So sad to hear about the damage the fires caused but fortunate no loss of life. I won’t have to make changes to my travel plans. Thank you for the time it takes to write on this forum.
I am an advocate for signing up for the STEP program.