Portugal faces high wildfire risk as Vila Real fire injures one

A fire destroyed an old wooden building in the center of Vila Real, Portugal, early Thursday morning. One man, who was reportedly sleeping in the abandoned structure, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The Polícia Judiciária is investigating the cause of the blaze, which is the second fire to affect abandoned buildings in the area in recent weeks.

Separately, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued high-level wildfire warnings across the country. Six municipalities in the Faro district—Monchique, Portimão, Silves, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, and Tavira—are under maximum fire danger. Additionally, 25 municipalities in several districts face very high risk, while over 40 others remain at elevated risk levels due to weather conditions including temperature and wind speed.