Expanded alert level in eight districts remains in effect until Thursday.
Portugal Extends Wildfire Alert Amid Continued High Temperatures
After a series of strict wildfire alerts and preventive measures, Portugal has extended its nationwide state of alert for wildfire risk until August 20, 2020. This decision comes in response to the continued high temperatures and reduced ignition risks due to the enforced restrictions.
From early August, the Portuguese government declared a nationwide state of alert for wildfire risk, which included the period from August 11 to 13. This alert was driven by a severe heatwave and extreme wildfire risk, with temperatures reaching up to 44–45 degrees Celsius in some areas.
During this period, preventive measures included prohibitions on forest access, outdoor activities, agricultural burns, use of machinery in rural areas, and all pyrotechnic devices such as fireworks. These measures aimed to reduce ignition risks and prevent the spread of wildfires in a context of extreme heat and dry conditions.
The National Civil Protection Authority mobilized substantial firefighting resources, involving thousands of firefighters, aircraft, and heavy machinery, supported by the Armed Forces and international assistance to fight ongoing fires. Authorities emphasized public cooperation and strict adherence to restrictions due to dry weather and strong winds that could rapidly spread fire.
Multiple active wildfires were burning across the country, notably in central and northern regions, with some fires causing evacuations and casualties.
As of now, the alert situation in Portugal remains as follows:
- The alert for Faro, Setubal, Santarem, and Lisbon ends at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, with these districts turning yellow until 6:00 PM on Thursday.
- The alert for these same districts turns yellow from 6:00 PM on Thursday.
- The alert for Porto, Viana do Castelo, and Braga remains in effect until 6:00 PM on Thursday.
- Braganca, Évora, Guarda, Beja, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre are under an orange alert until 6:00 PM on Thursday.
- Viseu and Vila Real districts will be under a yellow alert from 6:00 PM on Wednesday, turning orange between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Thursday.
- The use of machinery in forest and rural areas for work is prohibited during the alert period.
- The use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices is also prohibited during the alert period.
- The already issued authorizations for burns, fires, work in forest and rural areas, and use of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices have been suspended.
The prohibition of access, circulation, and permanence in the interior of forest areas is in effect, according to the Municipal Plans for the Defense of the Forest Against Fires. The alert for Coimbra, Aveiro, and Leiria ends at 6:00 PM on Wednesday and resumes between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on Thursday.
The extension is due to the continuation of high temperatures and the reduction of ignitions resulting from the determined restrictions. No new districts or regions were added or removed from the alert status in this paragraph.
Public cooperation is crucial in maintaining these restrictions and ensuring the safety of all during this period of heightened wildfire risk.
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