Fires: Government declares alert from Sunday to Thursday

"In light of worsening weather forecasts that point to a significant risk of rural fires, the Government has decided to declare a state of alert across the entire mainland," announced Maria Lúcia Amaral in a statement to the nation, without the right to questions.

The alert situation comes into effect at 00:00 on Sunday and lasts until 23:59 on Thursday, August 7th.

The Minister of Internal Administration explained the decision by stating that, in the coming days, high temperatures and low humidity levels are expected, justifying the "need to adopt preventive and special measures."

Therefore, between Sunday and Thursday, access, circulation and permanence inside forest areas are prohibited, in accordance with municipal forest fire defense plans, as well as the carrying out of burning and slash-and-burn activities, with authorizations issued for that period also being suspended.

The alert status also prohibits work in forested and rural areas involving machinery and the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. In this case, any previously issued permits will also be suspended.

According to the minister, exceptions can be consulted on the Government portal.

Addressing the Portuguese people, Maria Lúcia Amaral warned that the coming days will be difficult and called for "serenity and a spirit of national unity in facing this scourge."

"I ask that you respect all instructions and guidelines from the competent authorities, that you respect the prohibitions, and that you avoid any practices that could cause fires. Conscious and preventive action by everyone is essential," he appealed.

The minister also assured that "all firefighting equipment is ready and mobilized" and added that the operational response of the National Republican Guard, the Public Security Police and the Armed Forces will be reinforced, also expressing her gratitude to the firefighters.

Most districts in the North, Center and Algarve regions are currently at maximum risk of fire, according to data from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere ( IPMA ).

In the north and center of mainland Portugal, almost all municipalities in the districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra and Santarém are at maximum risk of fire.

The districts of Coimbra and Portalegre also have several municipalities under this IPMA alert.

In the district of Faro, the municipalities of Monchique, Portimão, Silves, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira are also at maximum risk of fire.

Only a few municipalities on the country's coast, namely in the districts of Lisbon, Setúbal, Porto and Aveiro, are at moderate fire risk.