Extreme heat may require “drastic decisions”, minister says

Portugal’s government is considering making “drastic decisions” due to the approaching heatwave, which could see temperatures soar to 40ºC and above in the coming days.

Interior Minister Luís Neves said on Thursday that the government is awaiting updated information from forestry and civil protection authorities before deciding whether further measures will be necessary.

“If the information we receive is serious, we will take drastic decisions in terms of alert levels and territorial measures,” the minister told reporters following an extraordinary meeting of the National Operational Coordination Centre (CCON) at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority headquarters in Carnaxide.

Neves said any additional restrictions could include bans on activities deemed to pose a fire risk, with a decision expected “today or tomorrow”.

Authorities have already warned against activities such as agricultural machinery use in high-risk conditions, controlled burns, fireworks displays and the release of traditional sky lanterns powered by open flames.

The minister also singled out next week’s São João celebrations, which take place in dozens of municipalities across Portugal and are traditionally associated with the release of hot-air paper balloons.

“We are asking citizens and local authorities not to use these instruments because they put people’s lives and property at risk,” he said.

Portugal is expected to experience a sharp rise in temperatures over the coming days, with some forecasts suggesting maximum temperatures could approach 45ºC in parts of the country. The hot and dry conditions are likely to increase wildfire danger, particularly in inland regions.

Neves said the challenge is made more difficult by the fact that some areas affected by winter storms earlier this year have not yet been fully cleared, potentially increasing the amount of combustible vegetation and debris.

The minister stressed that all emergency and security services would need to work together during the summer fire season, reiterating comments he made at the weekend about the importance of cooperation between agencies.

“There is no room for everyone working separately,” he said. “At the end of the day, people want to know who is helping them, who is saving them and who is there when needed.”

He also insisted that financial constraints would not hamper this year’s firefighting effort, saying the necessary resources would be made available.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.