Portugal places 50 municipalities on maximum wildfire alert amid widespread fire risk

Portugal’s national institute for weather (IPMA) raised the fire danger to maximum in around 50 municipalities across the interior north, centre and Algarve, adding roughly 140 more to a very‑high or high risk level. The alert is based on temperatures above 40 °C, relative humidity below 25 % and strong east winds, with forecasts of only a slight temperature drop later in the week.

Specific incidents include a blaze that started in a waste bin in Valverde, Évora, under investigation by the GNR for possible ash contamination, and a separate fire in the Montijo district’s Caneira neighbourhood where 29 firefighters and eight vehicles responded. In Vouzela, the Cambarinho Botanical Reserve – a historic Natura 2000 site – burned again, prompting conservation groups to demand urgent ecological impact assessments and stronger prevention measures.

Local authorities have also launched proactive measures: the Anadia municipality operates mobile forest surveillance in its eastern parishes until 30 September, with daily patrols and a 24‑hour watch post at Moinho do Pisco. Similar warnings advise residents in the high‑risk zones to avoid any open flames, fire‑related activities, and to stay alert to evolving conditions.