Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?
The Algarve, one of Portugal’s most sought-after holiday destinations, is currently facing raging wildfires after having just recovered from wildfires near Cascais last month. Reports indicate that the fire broke out on Saturday, August 5th, in the Odemira area, north of the Algarve region. Unfortunately, since it was first detected, it has been quickly spreading south, causing massive concern among residents, tourists and authorities. The current situation has resulted in over 800 firefighters being deployed to tackle the flames, with more than 1,400 residents having to be evacuated from their homes. Reports also indicate that more than 6,700 hectares of land have already been destroyed by the raging wildfire. What makes the situation even worse for authorities is that the soaring temperatures and high winds in the region are making the control of the fire an uphill task. All eyes are on those battling the flames, as the world hopes for the timely containment of the fire and the safety of those affected.
The situation is “critical, difficult and complex”, according to Odemira’s mayor, Helder Guerreiro.
“The weather conditions we are going to experience in the coming days means any small occurrence (fire) could become a big one,” Civil Protection secretary of state Patricia Gaspar told a news conference.
If you’re booked to travel to Portugal, is it still safe to go? And what are your rights if you cancel a holiday? Here’s what we know so far.
What is affected by the wildfires?
The main wildfire is in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region on Portugal’s west coast. Since then it has been moving south, and has now spread to the interior woodland of the Algarve.
Some roads in the area have been blocked off, while 19 villages, four tourist accommodations and a camp site have been evacuated.
Three districts in the country – Braganca, Castelo Branco and Guarda – are currently on red alert for extreme heat, while more than half of the country has been put on maximum alert for wildfires by Portuguese weather agency IPMA.
“It is a worrying situation,” Civil Protection commander Jose Ribeiro told reporters during a morning briefing, adding there were two active fronts, with one heading to Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside.
Monchique, which last burned in 2018, is popular among locals and tourists due to its thermal springs and hotels.
The UK’s Met Office has also issued a weather update across Spain, Portugal and Africa as wildfires rage across some of Portugal’s most popular tourist hotspots.
“Temperatures have increased across Spain, Portugal and North Africa in recent days, widely into the mid 30s C, if not into the low to mid 40s C”, the Met Office’s statement, released via X, read.
“The heat is expected to extend further north and east by midweek, before temperatures return closer to average by the weekend.”
Is it safe to travel to Portugal?
On Monday (7 August), Portugal’s minister of internal administration confirmed that “for now” the government will not declare an alert as wildfires spread across parts of the south.
“Either because of the response of the (teams), or because of the number of fires, or because of the change that seems to be positive in the movement of winds – and also because there has been, from yesterday to today, a relative replacement of nocturnal humidity, for now the alert situation will not be ordered,” minister José Luís Carneiro told reporters yesterday, Portugal Resident reports.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advice on Portugal has not been updated to reflect the latest fires; its standard advice reads: “Forest fires can occur anywhere in Portugal. Risk of fires is higher when the weather is hot and dry. Fires have become more common 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. You should:
- familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures
- follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities
- call the emergency services on 112 if you see a wildfire
“Starting a forest fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal in Portugal.”
No holidays to Portugal appear to have been cancelled by travel companies at this time.