Portugal Minister Urges Fire Prevention as Heat Wave Triggers Health Risks

Portugal is experiencing an extreme heat wave with temperatures expected to reach 30‑40 °C, low humidity and winds of 30‑40 km/h, raising the risk of wildfires. Interior Minister Luís Neves warned that the conditions could increase mortality among the elderly and vulnerable groups and urged families to take protective measures. He called for the public to avoid risky behaviours such as using agricultural machinery, conducting burns, and lighting fireworks or traditional balloons during the São João festivities. Over 120 people have already been detained for actions that caused fires this year.

The government is also investing heavily in preventive measures. At a memorial for the 2017 Pedrógão Grande fires that killed 66 people, Neves highlighted projects aimed at forest management, landscape cleaning, and community safety programmes such as “Condomínios de Aldeia” and “Aldeia Segura, Pessoas Seguras”. Local authorities and emergency services are preparing health facilities for increased demand, extending service hours and readying shelters for those affected by the heat.

Both the health sector and fire‑prevention agencies are coordinating to mitigate the impact of the heat wave and to avoid a repeat of the 2017 disaster.