Portugal Wildfires – Burned Land Rises Sharply Amid Extreme Heat
Portugal Wildfires – Portugal has recorded a steep increase in wildfire damage this year, with the area affected by fires nearly four times higher than during the same period in 2025. Prolonged high temperatures and dry conditions have raised concern across the country, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency preparedness and seek support from international partners.
Fire Damage Reaches Highest Level Since 2017
Figures from Portugal’s Rural Fire Integrated Management System, known as SGIFR, show that 4,592 wildfires have been reported across the country so far this year. The fires have burned around 30,155 hectares of land, with more than half of that total destroyed between Wednesday and Sunday.
The latest figures place the burned area at its highest level for this stage of the year since 2017. Fire incidents have also risen sharply, increasing by about 70 per cent compared with the same period last year. The number of reported fires is the highest recorded for this point in the year since 2022.
Extreme Temperatures Increase Pressure on Fire Services
Portugal has faced unusually intense heat since last week, with several regions placed under the country’s highest red-level heat warning. The weather conditions have dried vegetation and increased the likelihood that fires could spread quickly in rural areas.
Twelve of Portugal’s 18 mainland districts are currently under red alert because of extreme heat. Authorities have warned that much of continental Portugal remains exposed to elevated wildfire danger as temperatures stay high.
Government Declares Nationwide State of Alert
The Portuguese government declared a nationwide state of alert on Friday after officials identified a significant rise in the risk of rural fires. The measure is intended to improve coordination between emergency agencies and allow authorities to respond quickly if fire conditions worsen.
The alert also reflects concerns that firefighting resources could come under pressure if several large fires break out at the same time in different parts of the country. Officials have focused on keeping emergency crews and equipment available in high-risk areas rather than shifting resources between regions.
Portugal Seeks Preventive International Support
On July 3, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the country would activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism and use bilateral cooperation agreements with Spain and Morocco. The decision was taken as a precaution while Portugal continues to manage the situation with its own national resources.
Montenegro said the government wanted to reinforce its ability to respond before the situation became more difficult. He noted that national firefighting capacity had not been exhausted but said the worsening risk required early planning and closer coordination with neighbouring countries.
European Mechanism Supports Emergency Response Planning
The European Civil Protection Mechanism enables European Union member states and participating countries to request assistance during major emergencies. It can provide support when national resources are insufficient or when a country wants to strengthen its response capacity before conditions deteriorate further.
Portugal’s move to activate the mechanism highlights the seriousness of the current heatwave and the concern surrounding rural fire conditions. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring weather patterns, fire activity and the availability of emergency resources in the coming days.