Latest news and stories about severe weather in Viseu, 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.
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and requested bilateral support from Spain and Morocco to combat escalating wildfires driven by extreme heat and high winds, though officials maintain that national resources remain sufficient.
Initial estimates point to losses of around 7.5 million euros and a burnt area of 1,500 hectares.
To date, this has been the largest fire of the year, having burned from 03:04 on the 2nd until 12:40 on the 5th. There are still 35 personnel on the ground to prevent flare-ups.
With more than 15,000 hectares destroyed, the fire, the largest of the year so far, caused two serious and six minor injuries.
This opinion piece reflects the frustration of a community repeatedly devastated by wildfires. The author highlights the destruction of homes, livelihoods, and the unique Loendros Botanical Reserve in Campia. The text argues that while climate change exacerbates the situation, the focus must shift from merely fighting fires to structural prevention, including the professionalisation of firefighting, collective land management, and a move away from monoculture forestry towards more resilient, diverse landscapes.
First part of the 'Investigação CM' from this Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Second part of the 'Investigação CM' from this Sunday, July 12, 2026.
Third part of the 'Investigação CM' from this Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The 'Investigação CM' programme was alongside residents who grabbed hoses and buckets of water to try to defend their homes, animals, and property.
Home News Satellite captures 620km wildfire in Portugal from space Satellite captures 620km wildfire in Portugal from space A satellite image released by the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation programme has revealed the scale of the recent fire in Vouzela, showing a smoke plume stretch
Rui Rocha, Secretary of State for Civil Protection, guarantees that the days of intense fires in Vouzela occurred under 'exceptional circumstances'.
The Vouzela fire is already the largest of this year in Portugal and in Europe.
In addition to firefighters, Armed Forces patrols are mobilised to combat wildfires in Portugal. According to an official statement, around 40 Navy and Army patrols are on the ground. In Vouzela and Santo Tirso, where the largest fires of recent days occurred, military personnel are engaged in mop-up and post-mop-up surveillance operations. One patrol is deployed to Santo Tirso and two to Vouzela, the municipality that recorded the largest burnt area. As DN revealed this Tuesday, this fire placed Portugal at the top of Europe for burnt area in 2026. According to the Armed Forces, two engineering detachments are also deployed in Vouzela, with a third pre-positioned in Leiria, prepared to respond to potential operational needs. Within the scope of the Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR), teams are supported in all operations by manned aerial assets and unmanned aerial systems from the Navy and Air Force. Missions include surveillance and patrolling across the national territory, ensuring a permanent presence in high-risk areas. Two of the helicopters used are AW119 Koala models, dedicated to surveillance, reconnaissance, and aerial coordination missions. The other two are UH-60 Black Hawks, employed in firefighting missions and the projection of personnel to hard-to-reach areas. The continuous presence on the ground and in the air aims to contribute to the early detection of fires and potential flare-ups, and to identify negligent or illicit behaviour in close coordination with competent authorities. The Armed Forces also provide accommodation and food for firefighters in Abrantes, as well as support for the operation of Canadair aircraft mobilised through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
The fires in the Vouzela region have contributed to Portugal reaching a record-breaking amount of burnt land in Europe for the year 2026.
A massive wildfire in Portugal has destroyed over 13,000 hectares, marking the most severe incident in southern Europe.
The 4,592 fires recorded in 2026 have already consumed 30,155 hectares. The Central region is the most affected, with Vouzela experiencing the most severe fire of this heatwave.
Over 15,000 hectares have burned in Portugal in the last five days, with the burnt area doubling between July 1st and 5th, according to provisional data from the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (SGIFR). Data consulted by the Lusa agency indicates that the 4,592 forest fires recorded this year have resulted in 30,155 hectares of burnt area, with over 15,000 burning between Wednesday and Sunday. According to the SGIFR, the Central region saw the most damage, with 14,244 hectares consumed, largely due to a fire that began early Thursday in Vouzela (Viseu) and was only brought under control today. In the North, 11,834 hectares have burned this year. Compared to the same period in 2025, the burnt area has nearly quadrupled, marking the highest figure since 2017. The number of fires has increased by about 70% compared to the same period in 2025, the highest since 2022. SGIFR data also shows that 56% of the burnt area occurred during days of high fire risk. Portugal has been experiencing very high temperatures since last week, with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) placing several districts under red alert due to the heat. On Friday, the government declared an alert status, in effect until 23:59 today, due to the 'significant increase in the risk of rural fires'. Paulo Rainha Mateus succeeds Tiago Oliveira as head of the Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management. Heatwave: four districts under red alert and over 100 municipalities at maximum fire risk.
Over 15,000 hectares of land have been destroyed by wildfires in Portugal during the past five days.
An image captured by a satellite from the Copernicus programme reveals the scale of the fire, now in the resolution phase, which mobilised more than 1,100 firefighters in north-west Portugal.
The wildfire in the Vouzela region has been contained as of 9:00 AM.
13,000 hectares burned over four days in a fire that started in Vouzela and spread to three other municipalities. The risk of reignition continues to concern firefighters.
The captain of the Portuguese national team previewed the duel with Spain and said he has a feeling that Portugal will advance. Additionally, the fire in Vouzela remains active.
The company explains that temperatures are affecting railway infrastructure components. Additionally, Francisco Trincão may leave Sporting for Saudi Arabia.
Reignitions in the fire that began in Vouzela on Thursday morning remain a concern for firefighters, according to the local fire chief. Although the fire is considered contained, the large perimeter is causing frequent flare-ups. As of Friday afternoon, over 1,100 personnel were on the ground. The incident has resulted in two serious injuries and three minor ones, and caused the total destruction of a biomass factory.
With over 13,000 hectares of forest and scrubland consumed, the Caramulo fire is now 'contained' but continues to require close surveillance. For experts interviewed by Expresso, the flames, which have already caused one of the largest fires of the year, have exposed persistent weaknesses in forest management and reinforced warnings of a high-risk summer.
The fire risk in the country remains high today due to high temperatures and strong winds.
The fire that began in Vouzela on Thursday morning is now under control, though authorities warn that the situation remains precarious due to numerous hot spots and the risk of flare-ups. Firefighters continue to monitor the perimeter to prevent further spread. The blaze, which has affected multiple municipalities, has resulted in two serious injuries and several minor ones, and caused significant damage, including the destruction of a wood components factory. Meanwhile, a separate fire in Santo Tirso has also been brought under control, with crews remaining on-site for mop-up operations.
The fire that began on Thursday in Vouzela remains the most concerning in the country. European firefighting resources activated by the Prime Minister will focus on this blaze, which has already burned over 13,000 hectares of forest and scrubland and has spread from the Viseu district to the Aveiro district, in Águeda. We are following all developments here, minute by minute.
