Sintra steps up patrols after WhatsApp threats to set mountain on fire

The municipality of Sintra has reinforced surveillance across the Sintra mountain range after WhatsApp messages allegedly threatening to start a wildfire began circulating among tour guides and tourism operators.

The municipality has filed a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, while the GNR has been alerted and the Judicial Police (PJ) is also being contacted, according to Correio da Manhã.

Mayor Marco Almeida said the municipality acted immediately after becoming aware of the threats.

“The municipality and the people of Sintra cannot be held hostage by threats against our heritage,” he told CM. “As soon as we were informed of what was happening, we contacted the security forces. Increased surveillance is already under way. We are counting on everyone to help protect our heritage and our mountain. I will not tolerate threats, nor will we allow ourselves to be intimidated.”

The municipality has brought together the Municipal Police, Civil Protection and its legal services to coordinate the response. Neighbouring Cascais has also been informed.

According to the complaint, the origin of the messages has not yet been identified. However, one employee of the Fundação CulturSintra reportedly told the municipality she had been approached by tour operators who advised her not to come to work over the next three days because information was circulating that a fire could be started in the Sintra mountains.

The alleged threats emerged just days after new traffic restrictions were introduced for access to the Serra de Sintra, leading to speculation that the changes may have prompted the messages. However, no evidence has yet been presented linking the threats to any specific individual or group.

Surveillance of the mountain is now being reinforced by firefighters, Civil Protection, the Municipal Police, the Portuguese Army and digital monitoring systems.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.