With the extension of the alert situation across the continent, announced on Thursday by the Minister of Internal Administration Maria Lúcia Amaral, the Sintra Municipal Council has opted to also extend the closure of the municipality’s monuments and forest perimeters.
In a statement released to the press, the municipality stated that “exceptional prevention and safety measures remain in effect in the district,” which include “the prohibition of access, circulation, and permanence in forest areas,” as well as “the closure of monuments.”
The National Park and Palace of Pena, the Capuchos Convent, Monserrate Park and Palace, the Castle of the Moors, and Quinta da Regaleira will, therefore, remain closed at least until August 13, inclusive. Only the National Palace of Sintra and the National Palace of Queluz remain open, similar to the initial declaration of the alert situation last week.
The Sintra Municipality also informs that all cleaning activities are suspended, and forest area surveillance will be strengthened “in partnership with the GNR, Firefighters, Sintra Parks, and the Portuguese Army.”
“During this period, emergency vehicles and those of entities within the Municipal Civil Protection System, residents, and individuals engaging in professional activities or assisting vulnerable people are allowed to circulate,” the statement continues.
The Sintra Council also calls for everyone’s collaboration to avoid risky behaviors and unnecessary travel, and to ensure the authorities’ guidelines are followed.
The Government announced the extension of the alert situation on the continent after the Council of Ministers on Thursday. The alert status in the country has been extended for a week, until 11:59 PM on August 13.
As a result, “the same prohibitions and restrictions regarding agricultural and recreational activities in rural areas continue to apply,” informed the Minister of Internal Administration.
“The alert status and prohibitions have contributed to a reduction in the number of ignitions. Secondly, there is an expectation of worsening weather conditions in the coming days,” affirmed the official.
“The Council of Ministers has decided to convey to all Portuguese people that the firefighting device continues to be mobilized and positioned with the commitment pursued so far, with no reduction or deferral,” she added.
After the Council of Ministers, the Executive announced that the alert status in the country was extended for a week due to weather conditions, among other factors. The foreigners’ law was also a topic, with the Minister of the Presidency responding to statements by the President of the Republic.
Ana Teresa Banha with Lusa | 15:21 – 07/08/2025
