"The alert status encompasses historic monuments in Sintra and the forest's surrounding area"
In response to the high temperatures, low humidity levels, and the increased risk of forest fires, Portugal has declared a "situation of alert" across its continental territory [1][3][4]. This alert period extends from midnight on Sunday, August 3, to 11:59 pm on Thursday, August 7 [2].
During this time, several exceptional measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both the forest and its inhabitants. The ban on work in rural areas applies to specific machinery such as chain saws, metal disc saws, brush cutters, shredders, and machines with blades or frontal plow [1]. This restriction also applies to forest areas defined in Municipal Forest Fire Defense Plans, forest paths, rural paths, and roads crossing them [1].
However, emergency and rescue vehicles, entities that are part of the Municipal Civil Protection System, residents, and people who work there or provide assistance to vulnerable people are allowed to circulate during this period [1]. Any issued authorizations for the use of fireworks or pyrotechnic devices are suspended [1][4].
The Serra de Sintra, a region of protection classified as sensitive to the risk of forest fires, is particularly affected by these measures. The Municipal Chamber of Sintra has closed several monuments, including Parque and Palácio Nacional da Pena, Convento dos Capuchos, Parque and Palácio de Monserrate, Castelo dos Mouros, and Quinta da Regaleira, due to a wildfire alert [1].
Despite these closures, the Palácio Nacional de Sintra and Palácio Nacional de Queluz remain open [1]. The protection, maintenance, and conservation of the Serra de Sintra are considered objectives of public interest, of global, national, and municipal scope [1].
To reinforce preparedness and response, firefighting forces and security services have been reinforced [5]. Access to vulnerable woodland areas is restricted, and increased staffing and patrolling — both land and air — are being implemented to monitor high-risk zones [2].
Maria Luísa Amaral, the Minister of the Interior, has warned that "next week will be difficult" [1]. The Municipal Chamber of Sintra is appealing to the collaboration of all citizens to avoid risky behaviors and unnecessary displacements [1].
In summary, the key exceptional measures during this alert period include:
- Total prohibition of access and presence in forest areas following municipal fire defense plans.
- Ban on burning activities and suspension of burning authorizations.
- Prohibition of machinery use in forest and some rural areas.
- Prohibition on fireworks and pyrotechnic devices with suspension of related authorizations.
- Reinforced firefighting and security forces, plus increased monitoring through patrols and forest ranger staffing [1][2][3][4][5].
[1] Portuguese Government Portal - https://www.portugal.gov.pt/ [2] Sintra Municipal Chamber - https://cm-sintra.pt/ [3] Portuguese Environment Agency - https://www.apambiente.pt/ [4] Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere - https://www.ipma.pt/ [5] Civil Protection Authority - https://www.autoridade.gov.pt/autoridade-civil-protecao/
- The government has issued a "situation of alert" due to the high risk of forest fires, resulting in a series of exceptional measures being implemented across Portugal.
- As part of these measures, the use of specific machinery such as chain saws, metal disc saws, brush cutters, shredders, and machines with blades or frontal plow are banned in forest areas and certain rural paths.
- In light of the increased risk, the minister of the interior has warned that next week will be difficult and appealed for the collaboration of all citizens to avoid risky behaviors and unnecessary displacements.
