Portugal is facing its first major wildfire outbreak of the season as a severe heatwave sweeps across the mainland. By Thursday afternoon, the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC) had recorded 62 incidents since midnight, mobilizing 1,995 responders, 537 ground vehicles, and 62 aircraft. Over 500 firefighters are actively battling flames on the ground, supported by more than 140 vehicles and 10 aircraft.
The most concerning blaze is in the municipality of Vouzela, in the Viseu district. According to ANPC National Commander Mário Silvestre, the fire broke out around 3 a.m. and is still burning in a “very complex area.” As of 4:15 p.m., 303 personnel, 90 ground assets, and four aerial resources were engaged there. Two Air Force helicopters have been deployed to support the effort.
Other significant fires are burning in Vila Nova de Famalicão (two incidents), Montijo, and Ourém. The ANPC has raised its special state of readiness to levels two and three across the country and is considering placing the entire mainland at level three on Friday.
Heatwave Conditions Worsen Firefighting Challenges
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has warned of a “long-lasting episode” of extreme heat. Temperatures are expected to reach 40°C or higher in some regions, with tropical nights above 20°C, particularly in Greater Lisbon and the Porto area. IPMA’s Jorge Ponte noted that the heatwave could last up to ten days in inland areas, while coastal regions may see slightly shorter durations.
“It is virtually a whole week of persistently high temperatures, with very unfavourable conditions for fighting fires,” Ponte said. He added that low humidity, even at night, and strong winds expected in the coming hours create an “extremely complex meteorological scenario.” The ANPC commander warned that the usual nighttime window for more effective firefighting will be very narrow on the nights of 2 and 3 July, with fire potential peaking at 11 p.m. on Thursday.
The government has declared a state of alert across the entire mainland, effective from midnight Friday until 23:59 Monday, 6 July. This measure follows the raising of the alert status of the Integrated System of Protection and Relief Operations (SIOPS) and aims to adopt preventive and special measures in response to the fire risk forecast by IPMA.
Mário Silvestre emphasized that all advance measures have been put in place, including pre-positioning resources in the most exposed areas. He urged the public to act with caution and responsibility, underlining “the importance of safe behaviour.”
This heatwave comes amid broader concerns about wildfire risk in Portugal this summer, as El Niño raises wildfire risk in Portugal this summer, climatologist warns. The current conditions echo similar challenges faced by neighboring Spain, where Spain cancels San Juan bonfires across half the country as heatwave peaks.
As the heatwave persists, authorities remain on high alert, with the ANPC stressing that the response system is being reinforced. The aerial fleet has been strengthened, and resources are being strategically positioned to tackle the evolving situation. The coming days will test Portugal’s preparedness for what could be a prolonged period of extreme fire risk.
