Wildfire danger jumps across dozens of municipalities as the heat tightens its grip on Portugal
Wildfire danger has risen to very high in around 80 municipalities as the heat builds. See which districts are at risk and how to stay safe.
The heat won’t let up and the scrub is bone-dry — the combination that worries firefighters most. Wildfire danger has climbed again across mainland Portugal, with around 80 municipalities at very high risk and dozens more at high risk, as temperatures rise through the week.
Which areas are most at risk?
The danger is concentrated mainly in the northern and central interior and parts of the south: districts such as Viana do Castelo, Braga, Vila Real, Viseu, Bragança, Guarda, Coimbra, Santarém, Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Faro are among the most exposed. IPMA’s forecast points to worsening conditions over the coming days, with the risk staying high at least into early next week.
How can you lower the wildfire risk?
The rules are simple and they save forest: no burning on critical days, no fireworks or bonfires, watch out for machinery that throws sparks, and take extra care with cigarette ends. Most fires start with human carelessness, and on a maximum-danger day a single slip is enough to spark a blaze that’s hard to stop.
The warning adds to the heatwave already squeezing the country and the health alerts for the hottest days. The danger level, updated daily and by municipality, can be checked on IPMA’s website.
Illustrative · Photo: Liane Ferreira / Pexels
