Fire alert issued for tourist areas in Portugal facing ‘maximum risk’ | Europe | Travel

Multiple areas of Portugal are on red alert over the risk of fires. More than 20 municipalities across Portugal are currently on the highest level of alert for wildfires, with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) updating its risk readings on Thursday, July 10. The warning highlights that people in several areas in the North, Centre and Algarve regions should be particularly vigilant.

As it stands, the districts of Bragança, Guarda, Viseu, and Castelo Branco are among those highlighted by Portuguese broadcaster Sic Noticias as being at high risk.

Bragança is growing in popularity with tourists, and has a well-known medieval castle as well as being close to the very large Montesinho Natural Park. Guarda is the highest city in Portugal, offering remarkable views.

Viseu is known for its cobbled streets and is seen as a gateway to the Dao wine region. Castelo Branco is part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network.

Although the current warnings are expected to downgrade over the weekend, by mid-July nearly half of Portugal is due to be under the highest alert level.

IPMA categorises wildfire risks into five levels: low, moderate, high, very high, and highest. Currently, only 11 municipalities are deemed to be at a low risk.

The Foreign Office has already issued a warning earlier this week regarding the wildfire dangers in Portugal, the Mirror reports. The warning said: “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.”

Given the heightened risk, lighting a fire, even accidentally, is illegal and could result in steep fines or imprisonment for tourists found responsible for such an offence.

This can include recreational bonfires, barbecues, stove fires, fumigation and the use of rockets or balloons with lit fuses in areas at a very high risk. 

The Mirror reported that holidaymakers heading to wildfire-prone parts of Portugal are urged to: 

• 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

For more information on Portugal’s wildfire risk, visit IPMA where an interactive map highlights the parts of the country most susceptible to wildfires.

Portugal typically experiences a heightened risk of wildfires from April to October due to its hot, dry summer climate. While there have been no major wildfires reported this year, more than 3,000 fire incidents have taken place in the first half of the year, resulting in more than 8,000 hectares of land being scorched.

In late June, mainland Portugal recorded its highest ever temperature at 46.6C, as reported by  Euro News. The country’s Directorate-General for Health has also noted 284 deaths during the current heatwave.