Sixty years ago, one of the most devastating fires in the history of the Serra de Sintra consumed approximately 50 square kilometres of forest, having started at Quinta da Penha Longa and spreading to Quinta de Vale Flor, Lagoa Azul and Capuchos. The fire remained active between 6 and 12 September 1966, when it was declared extinguished after rain, and caused the death of 25 soldiers from the then Fixed Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment of Queluz, who were fighting the flames without aerial support.
The soldiers died near Alto do Monge, close to the water mines, when the fire reached its maximum intensity. A group from the RAAF, without adequate preparation for firefighting, was surrounded by the flames, in an episode described as "shocking" for those who witnessed the discovery of the charred bodies. Despite the adverse conditions and the lack of telecommunications means, firefighters and soldiers managed to defend built heritage such as the Palace of Seteais, Monserrate Palace and Pena Park.
This Monday, 7 September 2026, a commemorative ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the fire was held in honour of the fallen soldiers. The ceremonies included a mass at the Regiment's Chapel, in Queluz, the laying of a wreath of flowers at Pico do Monge and a pilgrimage to the site where the soldiers were found, now marked by 25 cypress trees.
The commemoration was presided over by the Honorary Director of the Artillery Arm, Lieutenant-General Morgado Silveira, and was attended by the president of the Sintra Municipal Council, Marco Almeida, the Bishop of the Armed Forces and Security Forces, D. Sérgio Dinis, as well as former comrades, friends and various civil and military entities.
