UK tourists warned as Portugal announces 'state of alert’ after seven deaths

UK tourists warned as Portugal announces 'state of alert’ after seven deaths
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Portugal has issued a "state of alert" to UK tourists as the death toll from wildfires rises. There are currently a significant number of forest fires burning in several parts of Portugal, the European Union holiday hotspot has warned.

The Portuguese government has declared a state of Alert until 11:59pm on Thursday 19 September. Access to forests and activities in rural areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed due to smoke and ash, the Foreign Office has said.

It warned: "The situation is fast-moving and could change rapidly. Keep up-to-date with developments and follow the advice of the Civil Protection Authority. Check our Safety and Security page for more information."

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Portugal’s civil protection service said 54 wildfires were burning nationwide, mainly in the north, with 5,300 firefighters mobilised. More than 1,000 firefighters battled through Monday night to control four separate blazes near the towns of Nelas and Aveiro, south of Porto.

The national civil protection commander, Andre Fernandes, said the three firefighters – two women and a man – had been killed near Nelas. Four people, including a man retrieving tools from his shed, were reported dead on Monday.

Fernandes said the situation was “very complex” and that Tuesday would be “very difficult”. Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, who cancelled his Tuesday engagements in response to the fires, also said the country faced “some very difficult times over the next few days”.

The Foreign Office warned: "Wildfires can start 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 during the summer months. Wildfires 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 authoritiesa nd call the emergency services on 112 if you see a wildfire. It said: "Starting a wildfire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence."