Soaring heat fuels higher fire risk in Portugal
Portugal Braces for Elevated Fire Risk Amid Severe Weather Conditions
Portugal is forecast to experience high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds over the next several days, according to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA). These weather conditions could significantly heighten the risk of rural fires, particularly in the northern and central interior, and southern regions.
In response to this potential threat, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) has issued guidelines to help reduce the risk of rural fires and safeguard lives, property, and the environment.
Landowners are urged to manage vegetation and clear land around buildings, infrastructures, and settlements as soon as possible, complying with safety protocols. The deadline for land clearing has been extended until June 15, 2025, with extra emphasis on completing work before the peak fire season or during lower-risk windows. On days of "very high" or "maximum" fire risk, land clearing and fuel management work may only be carried out with prior authorization from local civil protection authorities.
ANEPC has also emphasized the importance of authorization for work during high-risk days. For very high or maximum fire risk, authorization is required from the municipal civil protection authority, with requests including details of the planned location and schedule of actions. Status updates are provided after review, with clear indications of whether authorization is granted or denied.
The public is encouraged to adhere to safety protocols during outdoor work, using machinery or burning waste. Support vehicles should carry extra fire extinguishers, and avoid making fires or using machinery generating sparks in wildland areas during high-risk periods. The public is also urged to report any signs of fire immediately to emergency services.
ANEPC has mobilized approximately 8,900 operatives, supported by more than 1,800 vehicles and 33 aerial resources. The organization remains on permanent readiness to respond to any emergency situation, closely monitoring the evolution of the fire risk and providing additional information as necessary.
Stay informed about fire risk levels, which are determined based on air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and recent precipitation, as calculated by IPMA. Follow official advice and alerts from ANEPC and IPMA, especially during heatwaves or tropical nights forecast in the interior regions.
[1] IPMA - Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (http://www.ipma.pt/)[2] ANEPC - Portuguese National Authority for Civil Protection and Emergency (https://www.aneap.pt/)[3] Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 55-A/2022 of March 10, 2022 (https://www.portalgoverno.pt/d nineteenth/)[4] Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 40-A/2019 of April 24, 2019 (https://www.portalgoverno.pt/fileadmin/qm-portal/2019/aprox_reg_anepc_out_dez_2018.pdf)
- In light of the projected severe weather conditions and high fire risk in Portugal, it is crucial for environmental scientists to closely monitor climate-change patterns and their potential impact on wildfire probabilities.
- With ANEPC issuing guidelines to reduce fire risk and safeguard the environment, news outlets should cover the importance of both scientific understanding of climate-change and environmental-science in the context of rural fire prevention.
