Lusa - Business News - Portugal: Race against time in national forest to mitigate wildfire risk
Wildfire prevention news in Portugal
Latest news and stories about wildfire prevention in Portugal for expats and residents.
Latest news and stories about wildfire prevention in Portugal for expats and residents.
Portugal ranks among the top choices for European travellers for the 2026 summer season.
Portugal’s relatively new interior minister, Luís Neves, has issued a “very serious” appeal to the nation to prepare for a “terrible summer” and to do everything possible to clear land The post “Clear land now! Terrible summer coming”, warns minister appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The municipal executive also unanimously approved a proposal for support of approximately 71,000 euros for the Sintra Volunteer Firefighters.
Luís Neves explained that the clearing work carried out by the authorities will still take time, so the Portuguese should collaborate by clearing their land before the fire season.
The Minister of Internal Administration guarantees that the Integrated Prevention and Operations Command (CIPO), the structure created by the Government involving several entities with responsibilities in wildfire prevention and firefighting, is already operational.
Municipalities across the Algarve have approved an investment of over €1 million to strengthen the region’s rural fire-fighting capacity, reinforcing support for emergency services ahead of the critical summer months. The post Algarve municipalities invest €1 million in wildfire response appeared first on Portugal Resident.
In his view, everyone has a very significant responsibility, starting with the State, in the wildfire prevention process.
The investment aims to prevent rural fires.
These fuel loads act as potent accelerants, enabling fires to spread rapidly and intensify, making them difficult to control and extinguish. Inadequate fuel management practices and the absence of effective The post Preventing extreme wildfires through effective fuel management appeared first on Portugal Resident.
The President of the Republic wants to believe that this period is being properly prepared.
Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, appeals to the public to clear land and help identify problematic areas because “they know the terrain better than anyone else”.
With this structure, the Government intends to reduce fire risk before the summer.
António José Seguro warns that the clearing of forest paths and firebreaks is behind schedule. The Head of State wants generators in critical infrastructure such as hospitals.
The structure will be based in Leiria, where fire risk has increased due to the accumulation of fallen trees from last winter's storms.
The new command will aim to remove combustible material accumulated by storms, clear critical areas, reopen paths, and improve access.
The fire consumed 1,100 m² of brush, eucalyptus, pine, and cork oak trees in Portela das Feteiras. Burning vegetation is one of the leading causes of fires in Portugal.
Engineering detachments in Figueiró dos Vinhos and Vila de Rei; and starting Monday also in Sertã.
Miguel Albuquerque highlighted that the goal of having controlled livestock is to keep the land clear.
Ponte de Lima, Melgaço, Montalegre, Bragança, Ribeira de Pena, Vinhais, Arouca, and Vale de Cambra hosted operations this week aimed at mitigating summer forest fires.
Weeks away from the increased risk of wildfires, fallen timber remains unremoved and the Government's plan has yet to be released.
The scenario is “very identical” to that of 2025.
The article highlights recent initiatives and events in Portugal. It emphasizes the mandatory land cleaning deadline by April 30th to reduce wildfire risks, with penalties up to €5,000 for individuals and €25,000 for companies. Local authorities may carry out cleaning if owners do not comply, and preventive measures around homes are recommended. Additionally, the article covers sports achievements, including national dance championships won by Portuguese youth, and a community effort to support André Rebelo, a man battling brain cancer, through donations. It also reports on a Portuguese futsal player's victory with Nun´Álvares in the Taça da Liga, where she scored the decisive penalty, continuing her successful career with previous titles like the Supertaça.
The article reports that the Portuguese government has approved a temporary and extraordinary reduction in fuel taxes (ISP) for road diesel and unleaded gasoline across the mainland, in response to recent fuel price increases. Additionally, it highlights ongoing initiatives such as public campaigns for forest safety and prevention, including removal of fallen trees and cleaning of forested areas affected by storm Kristin, emphasizing community involvement and preventive measures to avoid wildfires. The article also mentions efforts to improve infrastructure safety and public health advice on bedtime routines to enhance sleep quality.
In a review note, the GNR highlights that last year the hotline registered 15,546 reports of environmental infractions, most relating to forest protection against wildfires and to pets.
Presidential candidate Manuel João Vieira said today that everything is 'upside down' in Portuguese forests and landscapes, and he called for prevention measures and the planting of species other than eucalyptus.
Equipment delivered to intermunicipal communities (CIM) and the municipalities of Leiria, Oeste and Lezíria do Tejo. The ICNF’s regional director for the Centre says that preventing fires and enhancing the value of the forest are aspects of the same strategy.
Controlled-burning operations cover an average of 2,500 hectares per year.
