Fire danger escalates across Portugal as 15 municipalities reach maximum risk level

Rural fire danger is intensifying across Portugal, with 15 municipalities already classified at maximum risk and authorities warning that conditions are set to worsen significantly over the coming days as temperatures skyrocket.

According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), large areas of the country could face either maximum or very high rural fire danger from Friday onwards, particularly in the Beira Interior, Tagus Valley, Alentejo and Algarve regions.

Municipalities currently under maximum fire risk include Loulé, Tavira, Alcoutim and São Brás de Alportel in the Algarve, alongside areas of Castelo Branco, Santarém, Portalegre, Setúbal and Beja districts.

IPMA warned that fire danger is expected to increase substantially from Friday, with forecasts indicating that at least half of mainland Portugal could soon be under maximum or very high risk classifications.

The fire danger index takes into account factors including air temperature, humidity, wind speed and recent rainfall. It ranges from reduced to maximum risk.

The municipalities at maximum risk on Thursday are:

Alcoutim

Loulé

São Brás de Alportel

Tavira

Sertã

Vila de Rei

Vila Velha de Ródão

Sardoal

Mação

Gavião

Santiago do Cacém