Portugal boosts fire watch in storm-hit areas amid heat alert

The Portuguese government is enhancing aerial surveillance in 26 municipalities that were impacted by Storm Kristin earlier this year. The Interior and Defense Ministries announced the reinforcement of aerial monitoring in areas managed by the Integrated Command for Prevention and Operations (CIPO), primarily in the central region of the country.

This decision stems from a "very significant increase in the combustible load on the ground" following the storm, which has consequently heightened the risk of forest fires starting and spreading. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere forecasts deteriorating weather conditions in the coming days, with temperatures potentially reaching 40 degrees Celsius in some areas, accompanied by warm, dry weather.

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a very significant increase in the combustible load on the ground, which translates into a greater risk of forest fires occurring and spreading.

In response, a Permanent Operations Center will be activated at Air Base No. 5 in Monte Real. This center, operating under the coordination of the Armed Forces General Staff, will serve as an advanced support base for CIPO. Additionally, aerial assets from the Portuguese Air Force and Navy will be deployed to improve coverage of high-risk zones.

Interior Minister Luís Neves stated that the government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, is prepared to implement "drastic measures" to prevent rural fires as the heatwave intensifies. The move aims to mitigate the heightened fire risk exacerbated by the storm's aftermath and the anticipated adverse weather conditions.

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drastic measures