Government official declares state of emergency due to forest blazes
Portugal Declares State of Alert Due to Wildfire Risk
Portugal has declared a state of alert for wildfires across its entire continental territory, effective from midnight on July 31 to August 7, 2021. The announcement comes as a response to the deterioration of weather forecasts indicating a significant risk of wildfires amidst a severe heatwave.
The Interior Minister, Maria Luícia Amaral, has urged caution and appealed for collective action to face the wildfire scourge. She emphasized the importance of national unity and trust in firefighters, Civil Protection, and authorities for their efforts in fighting wildfires.
During the state of alert, strict restrictions and precautions have been implemented to reduce fire risks. Access, circulation, and presence in forest areas are prohibited from Sunday to Thursday, in accordance with municipal plans for the defense of forests against fires. The use of machinery in rural areas, burning, and the launching of pyrotechnic devices such as fireworks are also banned.
The prohibition of access to forests aims to prevent potential fires, while the ban on open burning, agricultural mechanized activity, and any operations that could produce sparks or flames is intended to minimize the risk of ignition. The suspension of fireworks and other pyrotechnics is a measure to reduce the likelihood of accidental fires.
The operational response of the National Republican Guard, the Public Security Police, and the Armed Forces will be reinforced during the state of alert. Firefighters, along with numerous vehicles, have been deployed to contain ongoing fires and prevent the ignition of new ones.
Maria Luícia Amaral stated that the decision was made to ensure the safety of the population and the protection of the forests. She warned the population about a difficult week due to very high temperatures expected in the coming days. The Minister did not provide any updates on the duration or the ending of the state of alert.
The Minister expressed deep appreciation, recognition, and gratitude for the extraordinary and tireless work of firefighters, Civil Protection, and authorities. She called on the population to respect all instructions and prohibitions from the competent authorities to avoid any practices that may cause fires.
[1] Portuguese government website: [link to the source] [2] Portuguese weather service website: [link to the source] [3] Portuguese newspaper article: [link to the source] [4] Portuguese television news broadcast: [link to the source]
[1] The state of alert in Portugal, due to the high risk of wildfires, has highlighted the importance of environmental science and climate-change research, as extreme weather conditions become more frequent.
[2] The severe heatwave and dry conditions have pushed the issue of wildfire prevention into the general-news spotlight, with many debates in political circles about the urgent need for long-term solutions.
[3] As the wildfire scourge continues, the role of scientists in environmental-science fields, such as meteorology and forestry, is increasingly vital in predicting and mitigating wildfire risks.
[4] Despite the region-specific concerns, the effects of climate change and the wildfire risks it exacerbates are a global issue that requires international collaboration and political action.
