The political party Livre has made a statement on social media emphasizing the numerous occasions it has called for preventive measures against the forest fires that have plagued the country for nearly a month.
“Portugal must prepare for extreme events like the fires that consume the country. Livre has been warning and proposing solutions,” stated the party in the post’s description.
In a reminiscent tone, Livre highlighted the various instances where it addressed the issue in assemblies and conferences through figures such as Rui Tavares and Jorge Pinto, even referencing a statement by the party’s spokesperson from 2020, five years ago.
From parliamentary inquiry commissions to budget proposals and not forgetting firefighter training and equipment purchases to combat fires—these recent and past proposals have been shown in a video the party presented in parliament.
“May 2025 be the last year without planning, prevention, or action taken to mitigate the fires,” concluded Livre in the description of the publication.
Portugal must prepare for extreme events like the fires that consume the country. LIVRE has been warning and proposing solutions. May 2025 be the last year without planning, prevention, or action to mitigate the fires. pic.twitter.com/DX83MxW59q
— LIVRE (@LIVREpt) August 23, 2025
Three concerning fires persist in the country
Although the situation appears to have calmed, three large-scale fires continue to burn in the national territory.
The most concerning is in Arganil, within the Coimbra district, which had over 1,470 firefighters battling the flames by morning.
Two other fires are recorded in the municipality of Vinhais, in Bragança: in Moimenta and Ervedosa.
As of 8:20 AM today, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection registered 27 active fires, with 2,275 personnel, 775 ground means, and six aerial units deployed.
Most fires were either being resolved or nearing resolution.
Approximately 1,470 personnel continued this morning to be involved in combatting the fire in Arganil, within the Coimbra district, with support from more than 500 ground means, according to Civil Protection.
Lusa | 09:09 – 23/08/2025
Fire death toll rises to four
The fires in Portugal this year have already claimed four lives. The most recent victim succumbed to injuries sustained in the Sabugal fire, passing away this morning.
The victim was an employee of a forest protection company, Afocelca, who was injured fighting the flames and suffered burns on 75% of his body.
The victim passed away this morning, as a result of the severe condition he was in.
He was 45 years old.
Lusa | 11:10 – 23/08/2025
It should be noted that a firefighter, the former mayor of Vila Franca de Deão, Carlos Dâmaso, and a 65-year-old man (run over by his own tracked machine) were the other fire-related fatalities this year.
According to estimates from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), over 274,000 hectares had burned in Portugal by Wednesday.
