140 Portuguese municipalities on maximum wildfire alert

Around 140 municipalities across mainland Portugal are facing a maximum risk of rural wildfire this Saturday, according to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

The highest level of fire danger affects municipalities in 12 districts: Vila Real, Bragança, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Leiria, Santarém, Lisbon, Portalegre, Setúbal, Évora, Beja and Faro.

The warning comes as much of the country experiences hot and dry weather, conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of wildfires spreading rapidly.

In addition to the municipalities classified as being at maximum risk, many others across the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, Bragança, Vila Real, Aveiro, Guarda, Viseu, Coimbra, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Setúbal, Lisbon, Beja and Faro are under very high or high fire danger alerts.

The elevated risk follows several days of rising temperatures across Portugal, with parts of the country forecast to exceed 35ºC this weekend. The combination of heat, low humidity and dry vegetation creates conditions that are particularly favourable for wildfire outbreaks.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.