Portugal: Fire warning alert June 15

Event

On Thursday, June 15, the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) issued warnings due to the high risk of wildfires. There is a “maximum” risk in parts of the regions Bragança (Alfandega da Fé, Mogadouro, Torre de Moncorvo, Freixo de Espada a Cinta) and Castelo Branco (Proença-a-nova, Vila Velha de Rodao, Vila de Rei), Santarem (Maçao, Abrantes), Portalegre (Nisa, Gaviao).

There is a “high” risk in parts of the Bragança region (Bragança, Vila Flor, Mirandela, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Vimioso, Carrazeda de Ansiases), Vila Real (Vila Real, Sabrosa, Alijo, Murça, Valpaços), Viseu (Tabuaço, Tarouca, Vila Nova de Paiva, Penedono, Sernancelhe), Guarda (Guarda, Sabugal, Pinhel, Celorico da Beira, Fornos de Algodres, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Trancoso, Meda, Vila Nova de Foz Coa, Gouveia, Manteigas, Seia), Castelo Branco (Fundão, Penamacor, Covilhã, Oleiros, Castelo Branco, Idanha-A-Nova, Serta), Coimbra (Arganil, Pampilhosa Da Serra, Gois, Penela), Santerarem (Ferreira do Zezere, Tomar, Vila Nova da Barquinha, Constancia, Sardoal), Leiria (Castanheira de Pera, Figueiro dos Vinhos, Alvaiazere), Portalegre (Marvao), Lisboa (Sobra de Monte Agraço), and  Faro (Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Tavira, Sao Bras De Alportel, Loulé).

The risk is “elevated” or “moderate” throughout the rest of the country except in Lagoa (Faro region), Montemor-o-velho (Coimbra region), Esposende (Braga), the Aveiro region, and the Porto region.

Context

This increased wild fire risk is due to warm weather conditions and strong winds.

Advice

Individuals in Portugal are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to follow all instructions as issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders).