Portugal on high alert as major wildfire rages in Vouzela

Portugal is facing a critical fire risk, with the entire mainland placed on high alert as intense heat and low humidity create tinderbox conditions. The most significant active wildfire is currently raging in the municipality of Vouzela, located in the Viseu district in central Portugal.

This major fire, which ignited early Thursday morning, continues to demand a massive response. Approximately one thousand firefighters, supported by several hundred vehicles and a dozen aerial units, are engaged in extinguishing efforts. The flames are reportedly spreading towards the neighboring municipalities of Oliveira de Frades and Águeda, and have reached the Crasto area.

Reports from Portuguese media, including public broadcaster RTP, indicate that the fire has threatened residential homes and destroyed several agricultural outbuildings. The blaze presented multiple active fronts throughout the night and early morning hours. While firefighters focus on Vouzela, other smaller brush fires are being managed across the country in locations such as Cinfães, Castelo de Paiva, Alpiarça, Cascais, Mirandela, and Odemira.

To combat the escalating danger, the Portuguese government declared a state of alert for the entire mainland, effective from midnight on Friday until Monday. This measure intensifies the national civil protection efforts and imposes strict prohibitions on agricultural burning, the use of machinery that could spark fires in forest areas, and the setting off of fireworks. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution over the coming days, as weather forecasts predict a continued high risk of fire ignition and rapid spread.