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This year, fires have scorched over 222,000 hectares.

Significant preliminary findings suggest that this year may see the greatest extent of forest fires since 2017, according to the Institute of Nature and Forest Conservation.

,   and  ASMedia
2 min read
Catastrophic blazes have torched a staggering 222,000 hectares across the region in just this year.
Catastrophic blazes have torched a staggering 222,000 hectares across the region in just this year.

This year, fires have scorched over 222,000 hectares.

Portugal is currently grappling with a significant forest fire crisis, with over 222,000 hectares consumed by fires since the beginning of the year. The ongoing blazes have been active in 6,536 occurrences, with the country on high alert due to the risk of fire since August 2.

The primary causes of these fires are arson, accounting for 24% of the incidents, and uncontrolled burning of agricultural and forestry waste, which contributes 13% and 11% respectively [1]. Natural phenomena, such as lightning strikes, have also sparked some large fires in districts like Coimbra and Guarda [3]. The fires are intensified by high temperatures, strong winds, and drought conditions, which increase their aggressiveness [2].

Prevention measures focus on addressing the root causes of the fires, rather than just reacting to them. Experts emphasise that the decades-long rural exodus and lack of proper forest management leave vegetation unmanaged and fire-prone [5]. Effective wildfire prevention requires ecosystem restoration and nature-based forest management, such as replacing fire-prone exotic species with native species that have natural fire resistance [4]. Protecting and restoring natural forests, wetlands, and grasslands as natural firebreaks is crucial [4].

The Portuguese government has increased law enforcement efforts, arresting 26 arson suspects so far in 2025 [1]. Meanwhile, thousands of firefighters and aerial units continue active firefighting efforts amid high temperatures and ongoing heat alerts [2]. However, the focus is shifting towards preventative, strategic, science-based actions that address the causes of the fires, rather than just the consequences [4].

Coordination between regional, national, and European authorities with a focus on active forest management, rural revitalization, and community involvement is recommended [5]. Public funding should prioritise these preventative measures, rather than reactive firefighting.

If the current pace continues, Portugal will surpass the number of hectares burned by August 31, 2017. Approximately 46% of the burned area is forest plantations, 13% is agriculture, and 41% is brush [1]. By Wednesday, the fires had burned 189,000 hectares in the last 20 days [1]. The Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) provided the provisional data.

In a press conference on Sunday, the Minister of the Interior was present, but did not answer journalists' questions regarding the ongoing crisis [6]. The state of alert due to the risk of fire was extended on Sunday.

References:

[1] Portuguese Environment Agency

[2] Portuguese Institute of Meteorology

[3] Portuguese Civil Protection Authority

[4] European Forest Institute

[5] European Commission - DG Environment

[6] Portuguese Republic - Ministry of the Interior

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