Portugal faces maximum wildfire risk in 50 districts as Loulé blaze engages hundreds of responders

The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has placed about 50 municipalities in the northern and central interior under a maximum wildfire danger level, with dozens more at very high or elevated risk. The alert follows a period of temperatures above 35 °C, low humidity and strong winds that raise the likelihood of fast‑spreading rural fires.

In the Algarve, a forest fire that ignited on Tuesday morning in the Ameixial parish of Loulé continues to burn on two fronts. Firefighters have mobilised more than 300 personnel, 135 ground vehicles and ten tracking machines, supported by up to 12 aircraft. Winds have driven the flames to spread at speeds of up to 1 000 m per hour, prompting the temporary closure of the EN2 road and the evacuation of nearby residents. Four firefighters suffered minor injuries, but there have been no fatalities. Authorities expect cooler, more humid conditions later in the week, which should help contain the blaze.