Portugal: Wildfires continue to rage August 22

Event

Portugal continues to be hit by outbreaks of wildfires across the country amid high temperatures, dry conditions, and moderate winds. As of Tuesday, August 22, the Portuguese Meteorological Office has placed most of the northeast of the country on maximum fire alert. According to the Civil Protection authority, six separate fires are still out of control in the northeastern districts of Lisbon, Aveiro, Vila Real, and Braga, and four more are currently being contained in the districts of Guarda, Bragança, Leiria, and Viana do Castelo.

On Monday, the Civil Protection office recorded 157 fires across the country, 18 of which were still active at 19:00 (local time). Although most of these were low-risk, seven major fires were ongoing near the districts of Castelo Branco, Viana do Castelo, Braga, Leiria, and Viseu. Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to contain the flames and the government of Galicia from neighboring Spain has agreed to send two additional aircrafts to help the firefighting effort.

Context

Since August 10, 136 people have been injured and one killed due to wildfires in Portugal. The deadliest wildfire in Portugal’s history recently hit the country in June, killing 64 people and injuring more than 250 others.

Advice

Individuals are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas affected by the wildfires, to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and to keep abreast of the situation.