Portugal 'maximum' fire alert issued in more than 20 areas

The fire warning comes weeks after Portugal recorded its highest ever temperature

The summer holiday destination has been put on the highest alert level for wildfires(Image: GETTY)

UK tourists are being warned that more than 20 municipalities across Portugal are currently on the highest level of alert for wildfires. The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) updated its risk readings on Thursday, July 10, showing people in several areas in the North, Centre and the extremely popular Algarve regions need to be cautious.

Currently, the very high risk warning includes the districts of Bragança, Guarda, Viseu, and Castelo Branco, according to broadcaster Sic Noticias – all areas with a growing tourist presence. The current warnings are expected to last until the weekend but by mid-July nearly half the country will be under the highest alert level.

IPMA has five alert levels, starting with low, moderate, high, very high and highest. Only 11 municipalities in the entire country are currently listed as a low risk.

Earlier this week the UK Foreign Office issued a warning over the wildfire risk in Portugal, according to the Mirror. It stated: “There is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry.

“Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.”

Due to the increased risk, it is illegal to start a fire even if by accident. Tourists can face fines or even a prison sentence for this offence.

In areas that have been put at a very high risk of wildfires, recreational bonfires, barbecues, stove fires, fumigation and rockets or balloons with lit fuses are prohibited. The use of certain machinery may even be prohibited in some locations and circumstances.

According to the Mirror, holidaymakers travelling to areas in Portugal that has a high wildfire risk are advised to:

Follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities
Call the emergency services on 112 if you see a fire
Familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures
Check the fire risk index for your location

A shadow-dappled street in the Algarve, Portugal(Image: Getty)

Further details on the risk of wildfires in Portugal can be found through IPMA where an interactive map shows which specific parts of the country are most at risk of a wildfire breaking out.

Portugal usually faces a higher risk of wildfires between April and October due to its hot and dry summer weather. There haven’t been any major wildfires reported this year but over 3,000 fire incidents have occurred in the first half of the year with more than 8,000 hectares of land burnt.

In late June, the country’s mainland recorded its hottest temperature ever at 46.6C, according to Euro News. Its Directorate-General for Health has also reported 284 deaths during its ongoing heatwave.

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