Latest news and stories about emergency services in daily life in Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
A fire in Oeiras has mobilised 43 personnel as the region remains under high alert, while other major fires in Vouzela are now contained but monitored for potential reignition.
A fire broke out at the DHL company warehouses in Alverca, in the Vialonga area. This is the second time this month that the facilities have been affected.
A fire originating in a barbecue area on Rua Morais Soares in Lisbon's Arroios district was successfully extinguished, leading to temporary traffic closures and precautionary building evacuations.
Eight individuals received medical treatment for smoke inhalation following a hotel fire in Lisbon that was reported at 04:30 and successfully extinguished by 05:06.
Around 1,200 individuals have been displaced in mainland Portugal due to severe flooding, particularly in the Central region. The evacuations were carried out as a preventive measure, affecting areas such as Beira Baixa, Coimbra, Leiria, and the Lisbon area.
The arrival of Depression Marta is expected to bring heavy rain to Lisbon and Setúbal, with the most concerning period being between morning and early afternoon. Areas already facing complications may experience the worst impacts as this is the third depression to hit the region in a short span of time.
A man was shot dead inside a car in Queluz, Sintra, after being hit multiple times by gunfire. The PSP reports witnesses described the weapon as an automatic, military‑calibre firearm; the Polícia Judiciária has opened an investigation. Authorities are treating the incident as a serious public‑safety matter while enquiries continue.
At 03:23 an explosion at a building under construction in Algés damaged nearby vehicles and neighbouring homes. The cause has not yet been established and authorities are investigating; emergency services responded to secure the site and assess injuries and structural risks. Analytically, investigators will likely examine sources such as gas leaks, construction materials or workmanship failures, while officials must prioritise resident safety, site stabilization and a transparent inquiry into regulatory compliance.
By 20:00 mainland Portugal had recorded 713 incidents linked to severe weather, concentrated in the North region and Lisbon and the Tagus Valley. A landslide in Porto Salvo put a home at risk and prompted authorities to rehouse one family in Oeiras; emergency services managed widespread calls and localised interventions. The figures underline pressure on local emergency capacity and highlight continued public-safety and accommodation challenges as adverse conditions persist.
Lisbon firefighters' union says the Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros de Lisboa (RSBL) is in 'utter disarray', citing delays in promotions, organisational failures and that more than 10% of operational personnel lack proper uniforms. Staff are considering issuing a pre-strike notice as a warning that industrial action could follow if complaints over safety, logistics and career progression are not resolved. The union warns these problems undermine emergency response and public safety and is calling for urgent management and municipal intervention.
A man has been remanded in custody after a 9-year-old boy died and a 14-year-old was injured when a shotgun allegedly discharged accidentally in the Bela Vista neighbourhood. Authorities say the weapon belonged to a family member; investigators remain on the scene and the case is being examined for possible criminal negligence and safety lapses, prompting questions about firearm storage and emergency response protocols.
The PSP (Public Security Police) have identified around 30 people after shots were fired with prohibited weapons in Lisbon. A targeted operation — involving Rapid Intervention Teams and Traffic Division units — ran from 22:00 Friday to 02:00 Saturday; no incidents were recorded and no arrests were made. Enquiries and investigations remain ongoing as police follow up on those linked to the discharges.
Four gynaecology and obstetrics emergency departments have been closed. In Amadora‑Sintra only the gynaecology emergency department is shut; meanwhile the general emergency at Hospital Fernando Fonseca (Amadora‑Sintra) reported a three‑hour wait for patients classed as very urgent as of 20:00, according to the SNS Portal. Santa Maria recorded a two‑and‑a‑half‑hour wait for very urgent cases, and Hospital de Loures topped the waiting‑time list with around three‑hour waits for urgent patients.
The vessel was consumed by flames and sank
A vessel caught fire while navigating the Tagus River.
18 personnel supported by five vehicles from the Lisbon Sapadores Fire Department were mobilised.
Lisbon Sappers firefighters are battling a fire at a residential building on Rua Possidónio da Silva, near the Prazeres Cemetery, where the Remar Association operates, DN confirmed with the security force. The incident reportedly began after “three loud explosions” occurred around 04:00 on Monday, July 27, according to reports from neighbouring residents to CNN Portugal. At least five people were injured, the television channel reported. The association provides support to vulnerable individuals and reportedly had between 10 and 18 residents sleeping on the premises when the fire started. A van parked in front of the building was also set ablaze. Civil Protection and Public Security Police are on the scene, and according to CNN Portugal, the incident is being treated as a possible criminal act. News is being updated.
A fire broke out in a building in Lisbon, resulting in at least two people being injured.
Death was declared at the scene by the doctor from the INEM helicopter.
The fires in Alijó and Mafra are the ones mobilising the most aircraft. The flames in Alijó are progressing on two fronts, with strong wind gusts hindering firefighting efforts.
A fire has started in the Serra da Luz area located in the municipality of Odivelas.
A Koala helicopter from the 552 Squadron – 'Drones' intervened in the rescue of four people on Sunday. Three young people were rescued after becoming trapped while accessing the beach at Cabo da Roca.
Young Pakistani men were at Cabo da Roca, Sintra, and wanted to descend to Louriçal Beach. One fell, and the others went to help him.
Young Pakistani men were at Cabo da Roca, Sintra, and wanted to descend to Louriçal Beach. One fell, and the others went to help him.
Young Pakistani men were at Cabo da Roca, Sintra, and wanted to descend to Louriçal Beach. One fell, and the others went to help him.
An 82-year-old woman died in her home following a fire in the parish of Olivais, Lisbon. The causes of the fire remain unknown.
20 emergency personnel were on the scene, supported by seven vehicles.
A fire at an industrial warehouse in Camarate, in the municipality of Loures, brought together 51 firefighters and 17 ground vehicles. The fire burned pallets and vehicles.
Authorities found a woman locked in the bathroom of the residence.
