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Portugal has declared a state of alert due to the elevated risk of wildfires, driven by a severe heatwave and dry conditions. The alert covers the entire mainland and is expected to last around a week, as authorities warn of difficult conditions ahead.
The decision to declare a state of alert was made in response to worsening weather forecasts pointing to a significant risk of rural fires. The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, defended the declaration as "making sense."
During the President's visit to the island of Graciosa, Azores, the state of alert was announced. The Government had foreseen a worsening of meteorological conditions with conditions favorable to intense, more serious fires.
To prevent and manage potential fires during this state of alert, the Portuguese government has implemented several measures. These include prohibitions on access, circulation, or staying inside forested areas, bans on all burning activities, and restrictions on the use of machinery outdoors that could emit sparks. The government has also increased staffing for the forest ranger service, enhanced land and aerial patrols in high fire-risk zones, and deployed large numbers of firefighters.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa emphasized the need for the public to be informed about the situation and for authorities to have stronger powers to prevent fires. The Minister of the Interior, Maria Luísa Amaral, made the initial announcement regarding the state of alert in a statement to the country.
The state of alert is intended to give authorities stronger powers to prevent and prohibit activities that could lead to fires. The President was previously informed about this decision by the prime minister before the announcement.
The need for external help will be evaluated based on how the fires evolve, according to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The mainland of Portugal will enter a state of alert due to high fire risk from Sunday to Thursday, as announced by the Minister of the Interior.
The government has called for calm and national unity in facing this challenge. The state of alert comes after a week of fires in the north of the country, which have already led to multiple active fires, evacuations, injuries, and extensive land burned (over 29,000 hectares this year). The use of rapid mapping and monitoring tools will help track fire extent and coordinate responses.
Climate change is increasing drought and fire frequency, compounding the risk of wildfires. The government urges everyone to be vigilant and follow the safety guidelines during this state of alert.
[1] RTP (2021) Portugal declara estado de alarme devido ao risco de incêndios. [online] Available at: https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/portugal/2021-07-17/portugal-declara-estado-de-alarme-devido-ao-risco-de-incendios-2021-07-17T09:14:00/1003529
[2] Lusa (2021) Portugal declara estado de alarme devido a risco de incêndios. [online] Available at: https://www.lusa.pt/pt/noticias/portugal/2021/07/17/portugal-declara-estado-de-alarme-devido-a-risco-de-incendios
[3] SIC Notícias (2021) Portugal declara estado de alarme devido a risco de incendios. [online] Available at: https://www.sicnoticias.pt/pt/noticias/portugal/portugal-declara-estado-de-alarme-devido-a-risco-de-incendios-1021949/
- Despite the state of alert due to the elevated risk of wildfires in Portugal, the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stressed the importance of focusing on workplace wellness in the context of climate change and its effects on health and wellness.
- As part of general news, it was reported that sports events have been postponed or canceled in some regions due to the state of alert and the risk of accidents caused by the severe weather conditions.
- In a statement, the Minister of the Interior, Maria Luísa Amaral, suggested that the government should address environmental-science and climate-change issues, pointing out that wildfires are becoming more frequent due to these factors.
- Meanwhile, the political arena is filled with discussions about war and conflicts, as leaders disagree on the appropriate measures for mitigating the impacts of climate change and preventing wildfires, including funding for fitness-and-exercise programs and equipment for firefighters.
- The increase in crime-and-justice cases related to illegal burning activities has been a concern for authorities, who plan to strengthen law enforcement during the state of alert to ensure compliance with the bans on such activities.
- The police and fire departments have requested more resources, citing the need for accurate weather forecasts, efficient operations, and timely responses to address the risks of accidents and potential fires.
- As Portugal faces a week-long state of alert for wildfire risk, meteorologists predict a chance of rain and cooler temperatures towards the end of the week, raising hopes for a respite from the ongoing heatwave and dry conditions that have fueled the fires.
