The UK Government has issued an urgent alert to UK holidaymakers heading to mainland Portugal in the coming days. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office warned the country is in a “state of contingency” until midnight on July 15 owing to scorching temperatures and an increasing danger from forest fires.
The FCDO stated: “During the state of contingency, you can be prosecuted if you do not comply with these restrictions or if you do not follow the instructions of the civil protection and police authorities. Forest fires can occur anywhere in Portugal during the summer months. In recent years, fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures.
"Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.”
Measures put in place by the Portuguese government include a ban on:
- Walking through or remaining in woodland areas, including forest, woodland and rural trails
- Burning garden and other agricultural waste
- Clearing agricultural land by resorting to burning
- Using garden and farm machinery in or near woodland areas
- Setting off fireworks
The mercury is predicted to surge as high as 43C today. More than 3,000 firefighters have been tackling widespread blazes close to the capital Lisbon. People have been advised to avoid lighting outdoor fires or using heavy farm machinery that could cause sparks to “prevent fires”.
Meanwhile in Spain, temperatures in capital Madrid are set to exceed 44C by the middle of this week with even higher levels in Seville. A heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with a plume of hot air coming up from Africa and northwards through Spain.
France, Germany and Italy could also record 40C this coming weekend.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea.
