Portugal extends heatwave alert in ten districts due to fire risk

Portugal has extended a state of alert in ten of its districts until Thursday, as the country continues to grapple with a persistent heatwave and adverse weather conditions that significantly elevate the risk of wildfires.

The affected districts, primarily in the interior of the country, include Vila Real, Bragança, Guarda, Viseu, Castelo Branco, Beja, Santarém, Portalegre, Évora, and Faro. The Ministry of the Interior issued a statement detailing the prolonged measures.

Forecasters predict maximum temperatures surpassing 35°C in the coming days. Compounding the fire risk, humidity levels are expected to drop below 20%, particularly in the Algarve, interior regions, and the Tagus Valley. Additionally, winds could gust up to 40 km/h.

This extended alert mandates an increase in surveillance operations, control measures, and deterrent patrols against improper conduct. Forest firefighting teams will remain on permanent standby to respond to any incidents. The government initially declared a state of alert last Thursday due to rising fire danger. On Friday, Portugal activated the European civil protection mechanism and bilateral agreements with Spain and Morocco to combat a significant wildfire in Vouzela, central Portugal. This fire, which burned over 13,000 hectares, was brought under control on Sunday.