A meaningful wildfire is currently burning in northern Portugal, threatening villages near the Serra do Alvão Natural Park. The blaze,which began late Saturday night near Sirarelhos in the Vila Real municipality,has rapidly spread,prompting precautionary evacuations in Vila Cova. As of Sunday afternoon, August 3, the fire had climbed the borders and extended into the neighboring municipality of Mondim de Basto.

Local resident Pedro Diniz was observed battling the flames on Sunday afternoon, utilizing a tractor and water tank to protect terrain near Vilarinho. Firefighters are actively working to contain the fire, but strong winds continue to hamper their efforts. The cause of the fire is currently under inquiry, though authorities suspect arson given the multiple simultaneous ignitions reported across the region.

The affected area is sparsely populated, with Vilarinho housing a small community. The fire poses a threat to both residential areas and the ecologically sensitive Serra do Alvão Natural Park, known for its unique landscapes and biodiversity. Firefighters from Vila Real, mondim de Basto, and neighboring districts have been deployed, with support from aerial firefighting resources. The National Civil Protection Authority (Autoridade Nacional de Proteção Civil – ANPC) has issued warnings for extreme fire risk across several regions of Portugal due to prolonged drought and high temperatures.

The Publico newspaper reported that three significant fires were active on Sunday, placing the country on high alert. Residents seeking information or wishing to support relief efforts are encouraged to contact the ANPC hotline at 808 200 095 or email assinaturas.online@publico.pt.

Portugal’s Wildfire Risk: A Growing Concern

Portugal has experienced increasingly severe wildfire seasons in recent years, exacerbated by climate change, land abandonment, and inadequate forest management practices. The country’s Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers, creates ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread rapidly. The Serra do Alvão natural Park, like many forested areas in Portugal, is particularly vulnerable due to the accumulation of dry vegetation and the presence of steep slopes. Past data indicates a significant increase in the area burned annually since the 1980s, with 2017 and 2023 being particularly devastating years. The ANPC has been implementing preventative measures, including controlled burns and public awareness campaigns, but the scale of the challenge remains significant. The European Union Civil Protection mechanism has provided assistance to Portugal in past wildfire crises, demonstrating the international dimension of this issue.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Portugal Wildfires