With summer approaching and weather patterns becoming more extreme, it’s essential to be prepared. This practical guide explains the risks, legal responsibilities, safety steps, and where to find reliable, real-time information during Portugal’s fire season.

1. Why Are Fires a Major Risk Here?

• Central and southern Portugal are among the most wildfire-prone areas, due to long, dry summers, dense vegetation, and accumulated natural fuels
• Almost 98% of wildfires in Portugal are caused by human activity, whether through negligence or arson (theportugalnews.com).
• Heatwaves, drought, and extreme weather are increasing the frequency and intensity of fires (preventionweb.net).

2. Land Clearance Laws in Portugal

• Portuguese law requires mandatory land clearance by April 30 (this is often extended, this year it was June 15th) within a 50-metre safety zone around houses and 100 metres around villages, industrial areas, or major infrastructure (invest351.com).
• Non-compliance can result in fines of up to €5,000 for individuals and €60,000 for companies (euronews.com).
• The GNR (National Republican Guard) actively conducts inspections. Their focus is educational, but fines are being issued for serious or persistent neglect.
• Municipalities can legally clear land themselves and charge landowners for the cost if obligations are not met.

3. How to Prepare for Fire Season

• 👷‍♂️ Vegetation management: Cut grass, clear undergrowth, prune trees in line with current regulation
• 🧱 Create fire breaks: Maintain cleared safety zones and agricultural/firebreak mosaics where possible.
• 🎒 Prepare a go-bag: Include documents, medications, water, food, a battery-powered radio, and masks or wet cloths for smoke protection.
• 📚 Know local plans: Understand evacuation routes, community shelters, and check if your village participates in the “Safe Village, Safe People” programme.

4. What to Do During a Fire

🏠 If You're at Home:

• Alert your neighbours.
• Hose down walls, roofs, and a 10-metre perimeter around the house.
• Close windows, doors, gates, and block ventilation where possible.
• Remove flammable materials and, if safe, isolate outdoor gas bottles.
• Follow emergency updates carefully safecommunitiesportugal.com.

🚪 If You Are Surrounded:

• Move to a cleared area or community shelter if possible.
• Stay low to the ground and breathe through a damp cloth to avoid smoke inhalation safecommunitiesportugal.com.
• Cover your body and contact emergency services (112).

If You Must Shelter Indoors:

• Close all doors and windows, remove curtains, and block ventilation gaps with wet towels.
• Stay in the safest internal room, away from windows.
• Wait for the fire to pass and monitor for any flare-ups.

For full guidelines see the Safe Communities Portugal site.

5. Where to Get Reliable Information

• Emergency Number: 112
• IPMA: Weather forecasts and daily fire risk updates – ipma.pt
• ANEPC (Civil Protection Authority): Alerts, fire safety guides, evacuation plans – prociv.pt
• Fogos.pt: Real-time fire map (available as an app) – fogos.pt
• Local Authorities: Fire stations and councils often provide live updates, especially via Facebook.
• Safe Communities Portugal: Lots of information about how to prepare for the summer fire season (in English) - https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/find-information/fire-prevention-and-protection/rural-fire-prevention/

They have also translated the ANEPC manual on how to help prevent Rural Fires and measures to take should a fire break out. View the English version here

6. Why You Should Act Now

• The September 2024 fires in Portugal burned over 135,000 hectares, caused 9 fatalities, and required over 5,000 firefighters to control (en.wikipedia.org).
• The 2017 Pedrógão Grande fires killed 66 people, one of Portugal’s deadliest modern disasters, demonstrating the tragic consequences of poor preparation (fireadaptedwashington.org).
• Climate change, rural land abandonment, and increased human activity make fires more frequent and more dangerous each year.

7. Key Resources & Bibliography

Final Thoughts

Preparation saves lives. Clearing land, making a plan, knowing local procedures, and staying informed are crucial steps.