An alert has been issued in Portugual as the popular tourist destination prepares for a heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 43C. A joint statement from five government departments said the scorching weather brings with it “a significant worsening of the wildfire risk” until July 15.
Declaring the eight-day state of alert gives the government temporary authority to order precautionary measures. The restrictions adopted on Friday include banning the public from forests deemed to be at special risk, banning the use of farm machinery that might produce sparks, and outlawing fireworks commonly used at summer festivals.
Holidaymakers heading to Spain have also been warned about hot weather, with temperatures in some regions along the border with Portugal forecast to climb to 42C.
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Spain’s June rainfall was about half the 30-year average, and the country’s reservoirs are on average at 45% capacity, according to government data. Italy also recently endured a prolonged heatwave and is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years.
In Portugal, 96% of the country was classified at the end of June as being in either “extreme” or “severe” drought — the two highest categories.
While Portugal’s emergency restrictions are in effect, police and forest rangers will be on permanent standby and will conduct regular patrols.
Portugal has long experienced dramatic forest fires. In 2017, blazes killed more than 100 people.
The Portuguese government says that during the peak fire season from July to September, Portugal will have at its disposal almost 13,000 firefighters and associated staff, more than 2,800 vehicles and 60 firefighting aircraft.
Portugal has improved its forest management and other strategies since the 2017 deaths shocked the country; no one has died in a wildfire since then. Last year, the country recorded its lowest number of wildfires since 2011.
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