Latest news and stories about wildfires in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
There are currently six active forest fires in northern Portugal, with the situation in Arouca being the most worrying for authorities.
More than 100 personnel and three aircraft are currently fighting a wildfire in the Pedra Bela area of the Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês). Authorities from the Cávado Sub-regional Command for Emergency and Civil Protection (Comando Sub-regional de Emergência e Proteção Civil do Cávado) report that no homes are currently at risk. The fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the municipality of Terras de Bouro, involving multiple fire brigades and the GNR.
Update: Wildfire in Peneda-Gerês National Park brought under control
Emergency services have brought the fire in Terras de Bouro under control (dominado), with the status downgraded to the resolution phase (resolução) as of Sunday afternoon. While 81 personnel and 22 vehicles remain on-site for mop-up operations (rescaldo), the immediate threat to the national park has subsided. One aerial asset was used throughout the morning to douse remaining hotspots in difficult-to-access terrain.
The Peneda-Gerês National Park (Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês) is Portugal's only national park, covering over 70,000 hectares across the Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real districts. Established in 1971, it is known for its granite peaks, oak forests, and traditional stone villages like Lindoso and Soajo. For residents and visitors, it offers extensive hiking trails and protected habitats for wild Garrano horses and wolves.
Over 1,200 firefighters are currently battling four major wildfires across Portugal, with the most significant operations concentrated in Proença-a-Nova and Portel as authorities adapt to a year-round fire risk.
Recent analyses confirm that human-induced climate change has increased the likelihood of major wildfires in Spain by twentyfold, resulting in significant displacement and destruction.
Portugal is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis fueled by extreme heat and multiple active fronts, leading to an extended state of alert while the country simultaneously deploys personnel to assist with firefighting efforts in Spain.
A wildfire originating in Vouzela has spread to Águeda, causing injuries, isolating communities, and forcing evacuations, while residents express frustration over the recurring nature of these incidents.
The year 2026 shows the fifth lowest number of fires and the sixth highest value of burnt area of the decade
Human activity remains the predominant cause of rural fires in the Leiria region, Carlos Guerra, the Sub-regional Commander for Emergency and Civil Protection, has told Lusa news agency today. “It The post Human activity behind 76% of wildfires in Leiria district appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Statistics show that the number of wildfires in Portugal has surpassed one thousand during the month of October.
Offering his condolences, President of the Republic António José Seguro said in a statement published on the Presidency’s website that “her death in the line of duty, after demonstrating such The post Fighting wildfires – remembering those who lost their lives in the line of duty appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The fires were caused by “direct flame ignition using a lighter” and consumed a total area of approximately four hectares.
The fires that broke out on Thursday in Odemira and Resende are in the resolution phase this morning, according to the Civil Protection website.
The Vale do Pisão housing estate in Santo Tirso was evacuated at 16:37, at the same time National Road 105 was closed due to the wildfire burning in the municipality, a civil protection source told Lusa. According to the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection website, 153 personnel were on the ground at 18:04, supported by 44 vehicles and five aircraft. The fire, which initially had seven aircraft fighting it, continued with two active fronts at that time. The alert was raised at 15:08, a source from the Porto Metropolitan Area Sub-Regional Command revealed. The civil protection source added that there are no reports of injuries or homes in danger.
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, projections show the AfD party winning with 37% of the vote. Additionally, André Ventura asks the Prime Minister for quick explanations regarding the REN deal.
In addition to the Arganil fire, which began on Saturday and is being resolved, two new incidents in the Coimbra district are worrying authorities. 348 firefighters are battling the flames in Cantanhede and Tabua.
Commander Jorge Mendes, a commentator for CNN Portugal, appeals to the public to adopt safety and prevention behaviours in the face of fires in Coimbra.
The fire remains active and strong winds are forecast for late afternoon
André Morais, coordinator of the Montijo Civil Protection, analyses the development of the situation in Sabouga, Coimbra, where a large-scale fire has been burning since early afternoon. The 'low humidity and high temperatures' forecast for this week are expected to hinder the work of firefighters on the ground, he highlights.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere has extended the hot weather forecast from nine to 11 districts on the mainland, most of them until 6:00 PM on Tuesday.
Authorities are concerned as three separate wildfires in the regions of Vila Nova de Poiares, Arganil, and Murganheira have combined into a single large fire front.
Three of the fires occurred in May and another on Wednesday. The arrest was reportedly made outside of flagrante delicto, and the suspect will be brought in for questioning to determine coercive measures.
Two fires separated by about 12 kilometres broke out on Monday, one in Alvito da Beira and the other in Atalaia, about three and a half hours later. The PJ is investigating.
Two fires separated by about 12 kilometres broke out on Monday, one in Alvito da Beira and the other in Atalaia, about three and a half hours later.
Proença-a-Nova and Portel are the main focus of emergency resources.
Nine aerial firefighting units are currently deployed to combat the fires in Proença-a-Nova.
Two rural fires are keeping a large firefighting force deployed in the municipality of Proença-a-Nova, in the Castelo Branco district.
Paulo Leitão, a journalist for Centro TV, provides an update on the fires that have been burning in Proença-a-Nova since Monday.
The fires occurred on three consecutive days during a week of extreme heat. At least one of the fires was started at 4:00 AM.
The Civil Protection agency is reviewing the response to the fire that affected Torre de Moncorvo and Carrazeda de Ansiães, after residents reported failures in firefighting efforts.
Data shows that over 50,000 fire incidents were recorded in Portugal within a five-year period.
One of the men is suspected of starting at least five forest fires in Moura Morta, while the other is suspected of starting a forest fire using wax candles in Sabrosa.
