Fire alert in Portugal holiday hotspots
Several areas across Portugal have been placed on the highest level of alert for wildfires, according to updates from the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) on Thursday, July 10. It comes just weeks after the country recorded its hottest temperature ever.
The wildfire warning emphasised that residents in various areas in the North, Centre and Algarve regions should also be especially cautious as these areas will continue to be on high and medium alerts all weekend. Currently, Bragança, Guarda and Viseu, are the only areas on the maximum alert level, a significant climbdown from July 10 when over 20 municipalities faced the highest risk of wildfires.
Bragança, increasingly popular with tourists, boasts a renowned medieval castle and is near the expansive Montesinho Natural Park. Guarda, the loftiest city in Portugal, offers breathtaking views. Viseu, known for its charming cobbled streets, serves as a gateway to the Dao wine region. Castelo Branco is recognised as part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.
While the current warnings are anticipated to be downgraded over the weekend, by mid-July nearly half of Portugal is expected to be under the highest alert level. The IPMA categorises wildfire risks into five levels: low, moderate, high, very high, and highest.
Earlier this week, the UK Foreign Office issued a warning about the dangers of wildfires in Portugal, as reported by the Mirror. The advisory cautioned: "There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry.
"Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons."
With the risk level raised, even accidental fires could result in severe fines or imprisonment for those responsible. This ban extends to casual bonfires, barbecues, fire stoves, fumigation, and any use of rockets or balloons with live fuses.
The Mirror highlighted that visitors heading to areas prone to wildfires in Portugal should:
Follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities
Dial 112 to alert emergency services if you spot a fire
Get acquainted with local safety measures and emergency procedures
Check the fire risk index for your location
Portugal typically experiences heightened wildfire activity from April to October due to its hot, dry summer climate. Although there haven't been any major fires reported this year, the first half of the year saw over 3,000 fire incidents, resulting in more than 8,000 hectares of land being scorched.
In late June, mainland Portugal experienced a record-breaking temperature of 46.6C, as reported by Euro News. The country's Directorate-General for Health has also noted 284 deaths during the current heatwave.
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