The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) issued a warning on Tuesday about a “gradual increase in temperature” expected to last through the end of the week and advised citizens to “adjust their behaviors and attitudes in response to the rural fire danger situation.”
“The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts a gradual rise in temperature until May 31, with values exceeding 33/35°C over most of the national territory,” stated the Civil Protection.
The agency indicated that “these conditions significantly raise the risk of rural fires, especially in the interior North and Center and the Southern region.”
It is thus recommended to “adjust behaviors and attitudes regarding the rural fire danger situation, including adopting necessary preventive and cautionary measures, paying special attention to the evolution of fire risk during this period.”
The Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR/25) is already active, with about 8,900 personnel mobilized, supported by over 1,800 vehicles and 33 aerial means.
In light of the high temperatures, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has also recommended preventive measures.
The DGS advises avoiding sun exposure between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., recommending the use of loose clothing that covers most of the body, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen with a protection factor of 30, reapplying it every two hours.
