(MENAFN) A wildfire that ignited on August 13 in Piodao, Arganil, has now been confirmed as the largest wildfire in Portugal’s history by area burned, scorching an immense 64,451 hectares, according to a Monday report.

The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) released findings confirming that this blaze eclipsed the previous record held by the 2017 Lousa fire in Vilarinho, which destroyed 53,000 hectares.

The fire ignited at approximately 6 a.m. local time on August 13, sparked by two lightning strikes on a remote ridge. It rapidly expanded during its initial hours, fueling an intense and fast-moving inferno.

This devastating wildfire raged uncontrollably for 11 days, sweeping across several municipalities in central Portugal before authorities managed to contain it on Sunday.

By Sunday, Portugal had recorded 80 significant wildfires this year—each consuming over 100 hectares—accounting for a staggering 97 percent of the country’s total burned land. The districts of Guarda, Viseu, and Castelo Branco have suffered the most severe damage.

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