Portugal wildfires close A6 highway near Vendas Novas and cross into Spain

A pasture fire near Vendas Novas in the Évora district forced the closure of the A6 highway between kilometres 17 and 18 on 19 June 2026. The blaze prompted the deployment of 47 civil protection operatives, 13 ground vehicles and an aerial unit to combat the flames.

A separate wildfire ignited in the early hours of 21 June 2026 in Carvalhas, Moimenta e Montouto, Vinhais municipality. The fire quickly spread across the border into Spain, leaving no active ignition points in Portugal. Authorities kept 64 operatives on scene, supported by 10 ground units and eight aircraft, as the blaze continued in Spanish territory.

Both incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of managing forest fires in Portugal’s interior regions and the potential for cross‑border impacts.