Maximum wildfire danger spreads across 70+ towns as Portugal faces brutal heatwave
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued its highest risk alert for more than 70 municipalities across the North, Centre and Algarve, with temperatures soaring above 35°C in parts of Alentejo and the Douro Valley. Conditions are driven by continuous dry winds from the north, humidity levels below 25% in coastal zones, and no meaningful rainfall in the past 14 days. The warning, valid until Tuesday, covers districts including Bragança, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Santarém and Faro.
The IPMA’s wildfire danger scale — ranging from low to maximum — is calculated using temperature, humidity, wind strength and recent precipitation. On 26 September, the Algarve recorded 36°C, while inland areas like Évora neared 38°C. Coastal regions saw morning cloud cover, but humidity dropped rapidly after noon, creating tinder-dry conditions.
Two active fires still burning as crews consolidate efforts
At midday on 26 September, there were 22 active wildfires across mainland Portugal, one classified as “in progress” and three as “under resolution.” The most persistent was in Famalicão, Guarda, where 27 personnel and seven vehicles continue mopping up after a blaze ignited near abandoned buildings. A second smaller fire in Arganil, Coimbra, remains under control, with eight firefighters on site.
In the North, Vieira do Minho and Fafe continue monitoring smoldering vegetation, while in Ponte de Lima, crews are securing perimeter lines after recent containment. No populated areas are currently threatened.
Tractors deployed in six towns as part of €27.5M prevention push
Six municipalities in the Médio Tejo region — Constância, Ourém, Sardoal, Tomar, Torres Novas and Vila Nova da Barquinha — received new agricultural tractors to help clear vegetation along roads and forest tracks. These five-year loans, provided by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), are part of a national programme funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Each town pledged to manage at least 80 kilometres of paths or 80 hectares of fuel zones annually. Local leaders say they intend to exceed targets. Ourém’s mayor noted the equipment reduces outsourcing costs, while Vila Nova da Barquinha’s council president called it “essential for preventing fire spread” following storm damage from Kristin last spring.
In total, 150 tractors will be distributed nationwide by October, accompanied by 18 tracked machines for intermunicipal bodies and over 40 units to forestry cooperatives with trained firebreak teams.
Repeated arson suspect detained in Águeda
Judiciary Police arrested a man in Serém de Cima, Águeda, on suspicion of setting a wildfire that spread through dense vegetation near homes. The same individual was detained 15 days earlier for a similar fire and was under court orders for regular check-ins and alcohol treatment.
Investigators say the suspect’s pattern matches several other recent blazes in the area, all ignited with identical methods. No motive was identified beyond what police described as “a compulsion linked to alcohol dependency.” He has been taken to judicial custody for possible detention.
Tribute to fallen firefighter sparks national reflection
Maria João Carneiro, a 24-year-old volunteer firefighter from Resende, died on 25 September after a falling tree struck her during operations near Barrô. The blaze, which began Thursday evening, was suppressed by Friday morning.
The Resende City Council declared three days of municipal mourning (25–27 September) and cancelled its annual Festa da Labareda festival. President António José Seguro, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Ministry of Internal Administration all issued public condolences. The Portuguese Firefighters League noted this is the second firefighter death in service this year, bringing the total since 1980 to 257.
Though no new safety regulations have been announced in direct response to her death, officials reiterated the importance of ongoing reforms: the new Organic Law on Civil Protection, the 2026 Special Firefighting Deployment plan (DECIR 2026), and the planned professionalization of volunteer firefighter contracts.
Floresta Ativa programme reopens to encourage landowners
On 26 September, the government reopened the Floresta Ativa programme, offering €650 per hectare for clearing, maintenance and sustainable forest management. The initiative, backed by €4 million this cycle, has a simplified application process with 50% advance payment upon ICNF approval.
In its first year (2025), the programme supported 1,710 landowners managing over 6,400 hectares. This year’s aim: to fully allocate funds, with potential for expansion depending on demand.
Government officials say the combination of municipal equipment, targeted financial aid and enforcement against arson reflects a long-term strategy — one that still faces enormous pressure as climate patterns intensify.
