GNR warns of ‘very difficult days ahead’ as wildfire risk escalates

Portugal’s GNR military police force is warning that the country faces “very difficult days” ahead as soaring temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation combine to significantly increase the risk of wildfires across much of the country.

In a public appeal issued ahead of the expected heatwave, the force urged residents not to become complacent despite the annual nature of such warnings.

“At this time of year, people hear these messages everywhere,” GNR officer Ivan Lima says in a video released by the force. “That’s a good thing, but at the same time people start paying less attention.”

The warning comes as forecasters predict a sharp rise in temperatures over the coming days, with some inland areas expected to approach or exceed 40ºC and fire danger levels increasing across large parts of mainland Portugal.

“The next few days are going to be very difficult,” the officer warns. “It’s going to be very hot, humidity levels will be low and vegetation will be dry.”

Thus, the GNR is urging people to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, including the use of open flames, and to remain alert to changing conditions.

“All of us need to make the right choice,” the officer says. “And the right choice starts with sharing this message with as many people as possible. We all need to be informed and alert.”

The force concluded its message by reversing one of its best-known slogans.

“We usually say, ‘Count on us’,” the officer says. “Now we’re saying: ‘We’re counting on you’.”

The video comes a day after Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, admitted on Thursday that the government could be forced to adopt “drastic measures” if fire risk continues to worsen.

“If the information we receive is serious, we will take drastic decisions in terms of alerts and territorial measures,” he said on Thursday, indicating that additional restrictions on certain activities could be announced within days.

The minister has already urged the public to avoid potentially dangerous activities such as burning vegetation, using high-risk agricultural machinery and releasing sky lanterns or other fire-related devices during upcoming São João celebrations.

According to the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), 23 municipalities across the districts of Bragança, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Portalegre and Faro are under maximum wildfire danger this Friday.

In the Algarve, the municipalities of Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira were classified at the highest risk level.

Fire danger is expected to worsen over the weekend, with larger areas of the country forecast to move into the maximum and very high risk categories as temperatures continue to rise.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.