The area burned in Portugal has nearly quadrupled compared to the same period last year, with 4,592 wildfires recorded so far this year, burning 30,155 hectares. This surge is attributed to extreme heat and elevated fire danger across the country. The burned area has reached its highest level since 2017, marking a significant increase in wildfires by about 70% compared to last year.
Portugal has been facing exceptionally high temperatures, leading to a red heat warning in several regions. The government declared a nationwide state of alert due to the escalating risk of rural fires. In response to the extreme heat wave, Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and bilateral cooperation agreements with Spain and Morocco as precautionary measures to address the severe wildfire risk.
Twelve out of Portugal’s 18 mainland districts are currently under red alert due to extreme heat, indicating elevated wildfire risk across virtually the entire continental territory. The European Civil Protection Mechanism enables EU member states and other participating countries to request international assistance when national resources are insufficient or to enhance response capacity preventively.
