Preparations
Every year, the Portuguese government issues a period for cleaning agricultural and forested areas as part of a wider fire prevention effort. In 2025, this period was extended from 31 May to 15 June. [5]
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stated on 31 July that Portugal had sufficient resources to handle the situation. [6]
In early August, many monuments and forested areas in the Sintra and Lisbon areas were closed, including but not limited to: Monsanto Forest Park, Castle of the Moors, Pena Palace, and the Convent of the Capuchos (Sintra). [7] [8] As the fire situation continued, extensions to closures were made through at least 17 August.
By 12 August 2025, Público revealed that 40% of Portugal's forested areas had been cleared according to the National Action Plan (PNA). [9]
Impact
By 31 July, the total burned area of all fires reached 30,000 ha (74,000 acres). [65] By August 5, the size of the total area impacted increased to 42,000 ha (100,000 acres). [66]
On 1 August, it was reported that 19 people had been injured by wildfires in three districts which prompted the evacuation of two villages and the deployment of over 1,800 firefighters. The most severe fires were in the districts of Aveiro, Porto and Viana do Castelo, which were being fought by 441, 231 and 622 firefighters respectively; the latter, which began on 26 July in the Peneda-Gerês National Park (PNPG), led to the evacuation of at least 60 people. The PNPG fire concluded on 4 August after burning 7,550 ha (18,700 acres), of which 5,786 ha (14,300 acres) were in the park itself. [67]
As of 13 August, a total area of 63,000 ha (160,000 acres) had been burned. [68] According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), more than 15 August, this area increased to 78,000 ha (190,000 acres). [69] The area nearly doubled by the next day, to approximately 140,000 ha (350,000 acres) according to the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF). [70]
On 15 August, the first mortality was reported in Vila Franca do Deão. [71] While responding to a fire, a vehicle carrying a group of firefighters crashed resulting in the death of one and the injury of four others outside of São Francisco de Assis, Covilhã. [72]
Nationally, conditions began to improve on 17 August. More than 200,000 ha (490,000 acres), or 2.3% of the total national area, had burned. [73]
Response
On 29 July, the Portuguese government requested satellite assistance through the Copernicus Programme, for use of its Emergency Management Service with regard to the Arouca fire. [74] This allowed for additional imagery and support to assist ground teams.
On 31 July, a Canadair plane crashed into one of the banks of the Douro River while assisting in firefighting efforts in Penafiel and Gondomar. [75]
By 11 August, two more Canadair planes went out of service due to mechanical failures. Portugal requested assistance from Spain, but were denied due to Spanish resources being overwhelmed. Morocco agreed to send two planes to assist the Portuguese efforts. [76] Both Canadair planes were replaced by Avancis by 14 August. [77]
On August 12, the mayor of Vila Real spoke about the national response to the fires in the area, criticising Montenegro's prior statements that the country was prepared and that sufficient resources were available. [78]
On both 9 and 12 August, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) sent an emergency text warning residents of the maximum fire alert level and to not use machinery or fire in rural or forested areas. [79]
Causes of the fires varies but many were suspected to be arson. At least 42 people were arrested In flagrante delicto while more than 550 people were suspected. [80]
The Portuguese government activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) on 15 August, the same day the first mortality was reported in Vila Franca do Deão. [81] Sweden committed to sending two planes and Malta committed to sending firefighting teams to the country. [82] Additionally, the Portuguese government also announced that the Portuguese Army would increase firefighting reinforcements with an additional 60 personnel. More than 3000 had already been made available since the beginning of the season. [83]
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