As wildfire in Portugal is rising continuously, the government has taken urgent action. They declared a Situation of Alert for all the peoples at 1 pm today and this alert will remain until Tuesday night. Temperature of the area is continuously increasing and weather conditions are getting more dangerous. Authorities have taken strict measures to prevent the fire to spread further.
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Situation of Alert In Portugal
Several government ministries have issued guidelines for the people who are affected by the fire and living in the rural areas to minimize the risks. People are not allowed to enter or move around the forest to prevent any other human activity from unintentionally sparking a fire.
Farmers have also been affected by a ban on burning agricultural waste. They would burn leftover farm materials. A small fire could quickly get out of control with the current dry conditions.
The use of heavy machinery such as chainsaws and bulldozers also banned in the forest by the authorities. There will be high risk of fire because these machines can generate sparks.
Only emergency teams have the exceptions from these bans. Other tools like metal-bladed strimmers, bush cutters, and shredders are also not allowed due to the fire hazards.
Fireworks and any pyrotechnic displays have also been strictly prohibited. Pre-approved events or festivals must cancel their fireworks due to the fire risk.
Several ministries announced these measures including internal administration, defense, health, environment, and agriculture. These precautions are made to prevent human actions from unintentionally causing fires during these dangerous conditions.
Weather Conditions And Fire Risk
The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued warnings that the village and mainland area is at high risk of wildfire. In next few days, temperature will be above 30 °C.
Strong winds and low humidity are making conditions more worse. These conditions are perfect for fire to spread quickly to northern and central parts of the country.
This dry weather has made the land vulnerable especially forests and rural areas. A small spark in this area can be result of huge wildfire. Firefighters are already working hard to control the fires that have started in recent days.
Current Wildfire Situation
There are 17 fires on the mainland as of this morning that are mostly in the north. Firefighters are in an effort against time to control them but many of them are still very dangerous.
Sever de Vouga has one of the most severe fires that were getting strong since 2:17 am. There are about 170 firefighters with 50 vehicles and five aircraft to control the wildfire. The roads in the area have been closed to keep people safe. Luckily, there is no threat to homes right now.
There are two very dangerous fires in Fafe at the moment. The first fire started just after midnight in Cruz de Carrelhas. There are more than 160 firefighters with 49 vehicles and four aircraft that are working for the fire to control.
The other fire was in Soutelo. Firefighter had controlled the fire earlier but that fire has started up again. 150 fighters are again working to put hold to the fire
A fire in Silvares has been controlled since Saturday in Fundão. There are 170 firefighters that are still there to ensure fire does not start again. More than 1,250 firemen, nearly 370 vehicles, and 19 aircrafts are active in firefighting operations across the mainland as of 11 am today.
Reinforcement and Fire Prevention
The Portuguese Army has been moved to check high risk areas to add more help,. Currently there are 36 patrols and 80 soldiers that are on the ground every day, watching and reporting possible fire threats. Police have been sent to areas most at risk, including Bragança, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Guarda, Leiria, Santarém, and Viseu.
In a press conference, national emergency and civil protection commander André Fernandes called for residents to remain vigilant and take extra precautions.
He said:
We’re going to have three very complicated days in terms of rural fires. In addition to the 14,000 operatives already on the ground, the maximum alert level (red) implies the reinforcement of the force with 682 more men in some strategic points
Portugal declares high alert and is facing disastrous wave of fires. The government’s emergency steps are important for avoiding new disasters. Even the smallest spark could lead to destruction because of increasing temperatures, strong winds blowing, and dry land across the country. Citizens are advised to be extra careful, avoid any risky activities, and stay updated about local fire alerts.
