Latest news and stories about wildfires in Portugal for expats and residents.
From the extreme spring rain to the devastating summer wildfires, Portugal emerges as one of the examples of climate instability on the continent that is warming faster than the rest of the world.
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.
The year 2025 in Portugal is defined by extreme heat and forest fires, reflecting broader climate change trends across Europe.
An analysis suggesting that the wildfires in Portugal are not random occurrences but the result of specific factors.
Of the 59 arrested, 57 were detained for negligence involving the burning of debris and vegetation that went out of control. As of April 15, more than 7,600 hectares have burned.
A UNESCO report, released this Tuesday, presents the first global assessment of more than 2,260 World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks. The assessment warns of the state of environmental heritage globally, which is currently at serious risk of degradation due to natural disasters and urban pressure.
The wildfire in the scrubland and pine forest of the Caramulo mountains, in Tondela, was brought under control at 09:23, a source from the Viseu Dão Lafões Sub-regional Command told Lusa. 'It was brought under control at 09:23, after the alert was raised at 06:02,' they said. The fire broke out in an area of scrubland and pine forest in the Caramulo mountains, in the area of São João do Monte and Mosteirinho Corte, in the municipality of Tondela, Viseu district, and, according to the Civil Protection Sub-regional Command, no populations were at risk. At 08:10, firefighting efforts were being 'hindered by strong winds' in the area, leading to reinforcements being sent. At 09:40, there were 141 personnel on site supported by 39 vehicles and three aerial assets. Wildfires: Researcher Xavier Viegas warns of an increase in fires due to the electrical grid.
The training aims to equip citizens with knowledge that allows for active preparation against rural fires through effective self-protection practices and is intended for all citizens.
The Independent Technical Commission (CTI) responsible for evaluating the events of August 2025 during the wildfires that devastated the central and northern regions has had its members appointed this Thursday in the Diário da República. The three main political parties with parliamentary seats have designated four names, with the PSD choosing Álvaro Manuel...
From March 24 to 26, delegates gathered in Rome for the annual Aerial Firefighting Global Conference. The primary discussion was to examine the worsening outlook in Europe where more than The post Wildfires in the EU: contingencies for 2026 appeared first on Portugal Resident.
“There is no scientific basis” to associate “duly licensed pyrotechnics” with “rural fires,” argued the National Association of Explosive Products Companies.
Forest fire expert Domingos Xavier Viegas warned today about the increase in the number of fires starting at night originating from the electrical grid, arguing that the country has paid little attention to this issue.
The expert highlighted the “little attention” paid to this issue.
The independent technical commission that will study the severe wildfires that occurred in August 2025 in the centre and north of the country will begin its work on April 22. It will have until June 22 to present its report, a deadline that may be extended by another 30 days, until the end of July. The information is contained in...
The President of the Assembly of the Republic has scheduled the installation of the independent technical commission on last August's wildfires for the 22nd, with a 60-day mandate, extendable by another 30 days.
Forest fire expert Domingos Xavier Viegas expressed doubts on Tuesday, April 14, regarding the existence of 'concerted actions' in businesses linked to fires, but admitted to 'some negligence' and that the system requires greater supervision. During a Parliamentary Inquiry Commission, he stated he has no direct knowledge of illicit activities but highlighted issues such as the failure to use fire retardants and the lack of tracking data for aerial firefighting assets as examples of significant negligence.
The President of the Republic acknowledges that there is insecurity among the population due to the risk of major wildfires this summer. António José Seguro is completing the final day of his Open Presidency in the Leiria region, where he also warned about the difficulties in accessing housing.
Regarding the fires that have been tormenting the Central region, the author evokes the various bell tolls in the village of his childhood, which are no longer heard.
The President of the Republic forced the Minister of Internal Administration to respond regarding the response to the wildfires. Luís Neves guaranteed that there will be a “gathering of forces” that includes the Armed Forces. Seguro is “considering” celebrating June 10th in Leiria.
During a visit to Pedrógão Grande, the Minister of Internal Administration called for general mobilisation for wildfire prevention, anticipating a summer of high risk.
António José Seguro visited Pedrógão Grande, where he once again called for the clearing of paths and land.
Luís Neves appeals to all citizens to help curb the upcoming fire season, which he anticipates will be “very difficult”.
Trump also believes that NATO will not be there when the US needs help again. Additionally, the Armed Forces will receive Black Hawk helicopters and C-130 aircraft this year to fight wildfires.
Announcement made by the Minister of Defence, who highlighted the investment the Government has been making in the Armed Forces. Additionally, the Prime Minister leaves a message for the UGT regarding the agreement within the scope of social concertation.
The Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, anticipated today that the summer will be “very complicated,” appealing to citizens to clear their land in order to prevent the spread of wildfires.
The Minister states that the most problematic locations have been identified and appeals for citizens to take action in clearing land. Leiria is the area the Government will address 'as a priority for preventive measures'.
Luís Neves appealed to citizens to clear their land in order to prevent the spread of fires.
It will be presented this afternoon in Leiria, where a new structure will be installed to help reduce the risk of rural fires before the summer. It is called CIPO and stands for Integrated Prevention and Operations Command.
