Heatwave triggers wildfire alert in nine Portuguese districts
Numerous municipalities across nine districts face the highest fire hazard risk, exceeding thirty in number.
Gearing up for a scorching day, over 30 municipalities in nine mainland Portugal districts are braced for a high risk of wildfires on this Tuesday, with temperatures soaring over 40 degrees in certain regions, according to the IPMA.
In the districts of Faro, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Leiria, Coimbra, Guarda, Viseu, and Bragança, the danger of wildfires looms large. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has listed these regions as maximum fire risk zones.
The IPMA has also slapped several municipalities across all mainland Portugal districts with very high and high fire risk labels. Fire risk is expected to remain elevated in some districts for at least the weekend, according to IPMA's calculations.
Yellows and Oranges Ablaze
Across Portugal, a staggering 16 mainland districts are under yellow alert due to the sweltering heat.
The districts of Bragança and Vila Real are under an orange alert until 18:00 on Wednesday, followed by a yellow alert till 18:00 on Thursday.
The districts of Viseu, Porto, Faro, Setúbal, Santarém, Viana do Castelo, Lisbon, Leiria, Aveiro, Coimbra, Braga will remain under yellow alert until 18:00 on Wednesday, while Évora, Beja, Guarda, Castelo Branco, and Portalegre will continue in this state until 18:00 on Thursday.
The IPMA predicts additional sunshine, clear or cloudless skies, fog or mist in the southern Algarve coast, light winds, and an uptick in temperatures, particularly the minimum, for this Tuesday.
Temperatures will oscillate between 16 degrees Celsius (in Aveiro) and 26 (in Portalegre), and peak between 29 (in Aveiro) and 42 (in Santarém).
Property Owners: Time to Respond
With numerous Portuguese districts facing crippling wildfire risks, property owners are encouraged to:
- Clear Undergrowth: Remove underbrush and dry vegetation encroaching near buildings to minimize fire hazards. A safe perimeter of cleared land, usually around 50 meters, is crucial[1][3].
- Follow Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local fire safety rules and restrictions. Activities like bonfires, machinery use, and waste burning may be prohibited based on fire danger levels[2].
- Stay Informed: Keep tabs on risk levels and local regulations, understanding potential fines for non-compliance[1].
- Regular Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your property, keeping it free from flammable materials and operating machinery safely[3].
- Community Involvement: Engage with authorities and local communities to stay abreast of fire risks and participate in prevention initiatives[4].
- Emergency Readiness: Develop an evacuation plan, including essential supplies and knowledge of evacuation routes[5].
In the face of heightened wildfire risks across multiple Portuguese districts, it's essential for property owners to take action. This includes clearing undergrowth to minimize fire hazards, adhering to local fire safety rules, staying informed about risk levels and regulations, maintaining properties regularly, engaging with authorities and communities, and being ready for emergencies. The heightened risk of wildfires is particularly evident in the environmental-science context of the current heatwave, with the weather playing a significant role in the increased fire danger.
