Portugal is facing its first major wildfire outbreak of the season as a severe heatwave tightens its grip. The National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) confirmed 62 incidents were recorded between midnight and 3 p.m. on Thursday.
A significant blaze ignited at 3 a.m. in the municipality of Vouzela. National Commander Mário Silvestre described it as burning in a very complex area. At its peak, over 300 personnel were deployed alongside 90 ground assets and four aerial resources. The response strategy has been reinforced by pre-positioning assets and strengthening the aerial fleet with Air Force helicopters.
Beyond Vouzela, active rural fires are being fought in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Montijo, and Ourém. In total, the incidents since midnight required nearly 2,000 personnel, 537 vehicles, and 62 aircraft.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warns of a very long-lasting heat episode. Temperatures are forecast to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some regions, with nighttime lows staying above 20 degrees, particularly in the Lisbon and Porto metropolitan areas.
IPMA expert Jorge Ponte stressed that low humidity and strong winds are creating extremely complex, adverse conditions for firefighting. The narrow window of opportunity typically used to contain fires overnight is expected to be critically limited.
In response to the forecast severity, the government has declared a state of alert across the entire mainland territory. The measure remains in force until 23:59 on Monday, triggering special preventive protocols under the Integrated System of Protection and Relief Operations (SIOPS).