Foliâteau suffers severe injury in Sabugal, marked by intense burns
The forest fire in Sabugal, Portugal, is still burning as part of a wider wildfire crisis affecting the country, with over 248,000 hectares burned across Portugal as of August 23, 2025. This crisis has resulted in the tragic death of Daniel Esteves, a 45-year-old employee of a private firefighting company, who sustained burns to 75% of his body while fighting the blaze on Tuesday and subsequently died early Saturday morning. Esteves is the fourth victim of the ongoing wildfires in Portugal.
The latest updates indicate that an employee of Afocelca, a forest protection company, was seriously injured during firefighting operations in Sabugal municipality. The injured individual was initially stabilized at the scene by emergency teams and later transported to São João Hospital in Porto by an INEM helicopter. According to a source from the Sub-Regional Command of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, the injuries sustained by the four team members were minor.
The incident occurred at 16:46 in the Vale da Senhora da Póvoa area, in the municipality of Penamacor, on the border with Sabugal. The location of the incident was updated to the Vale da Senhora da Póvoa area in Penamacor. The injured individual is currently being assessed and stabilized in the emergency department of São João Hospital in Porto.
The National Authority for Civil Protection (ANPC) reported the incident in a press note sent to Lusa, while the Sub-Regional Command of Beiras and Serra da Estrela provided further information about the injuries and their location. The Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, has formally expressed condolences for the loss of Daniel Esteves.
Portugal is continuing firefighting efforts across multiple regions amid extreme fire risks due to heatwaves and drought conditions. The Sabugal fire is just one of many fires that have been ravaging the country, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The country's emergency services are working tirelessly to contain the fires and provide aid to those affected.
References:
- Lusa
- RTP
- PT
- Público
- Expresso
