The fires continue to ravage mainland Portugal, with blazes in Vila Real and Ponte da Barca causing particular concern among authorities.
In an effort to curb the spread of the flames and prevent new outbreaks, the Government has declared a “state of alert across the continental territory” due to the “very high temperatures” that increase the risk of fire.
The state of alert came into force at midnight and will extend until Thursday, August 7.
Speaking at São Bento Palace, Minister of Internal Administration Maria Lúcia Amaral warned that “the coming week will be difficult” and urged the Portuguese to “comply with the instructions and guidelines of the competent authorities; respect the prohibitions, and avoid any practices that could cause fires”.
Carolina Pereira Soares com Lusa | 13:06 – 02/08/2025
Authorities to Increase “Readiness” and “Mobilization”
The state of alert involves a heightened state of readiness and mobilization of all authorities (National Republican Guard, Public Security Police, Firefighters) as well as medical emergency and public health teams.
This leads to an “increase in the degree of readiness and operational response from the National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Public Security Police (PSP), with reinforcement of resources for surveillance operations, dissuasive patrols, and general support for protection and rescue operations, including authorized suspension of leave and rest periods,” stated the ministry in a communiqué sent to newsrooms.
The state of alert also implements “a series of exceptional measures“, including various prohibitions. Specifically, prohibition of access, movement, and presence within forested areas, burning and controlled fires (even those previously authorized), prohibition of work in forest and rural areas using machinery, and prohibition of fireworks and pyrotechnic artifacts (even those already authorized).
Notícias ao Minuto | 13:50 – 02/08/2025
Monuments in Sintra Close Due to State of Alert
Following the Government’s announcement, the Sintra Municipal Council decided to close some of its monuments and surrounding forest areas to “ensure their protection, maintenance, and conservation.”
In a communiqué sent to newsrooms, the Sintra municipality announced that the Park and National Palace of Pena, the Capuchos Convent, the Park and Palace of Monserrate, the Castle of the Moors, and the Quinta da Regaleira will remain closed until Thursday, inclusive. Only the National Palace of Sintra and the National Palace of Queluz remain open in the coming days.
“During this period, access is limited to rescue vehicles, emergency services, and entities involved in the Municipal Civil Protection System, as well as residents and individuals performing work in the area or assisting vulnerable individuals,” stated the note.
Notícias ao Minuto | 15:27 – 02/08/2025
“Better Safe Than Sorry,” Says President of the Republic
In response to the Government’s announcement, the President of the Republic assured that the decision had been under consideration by the Executive throughout the week and confirmed that he had been informed in advance of the impending alert.
During a visit to Graciosa Island, Azores, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa supported the activation of the state of alert, stating that “it makes sense” because, “given the time,” it’s “better to be safe than sorry”. He added that “no one can say they weren’t warned” about this “period expected to be very difficult.”
Regarding external assistance for fighting the fires, the Head of State noted that it’s necessary “to wait and see how the fires develop” to assess the need for such help. He explained that the caution he advised on Thursday regarding requests for the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism pertained to the timing of his statements and not to future situations.
Lusa | 15:17 – 02/08/2025
Liberal Initiative Leader Criticizes Government’s Delayed Decision
In the political realm, the president of the Liberal Initiative (IL) was the only leader to react to the Government’s declaration. Mariana Leitão argued on Saturday that the state of alert for the fires “comes late” and should have been declared earlier.
“When we have the country already in the situation it has been in for over a week, it seems to come late”, Mariana Leitão told journalists, on the sidelines of presenting the local election candidates in Mafra.
The liberal leader also stated that there needs to be “concrete action with concrete results” to resolve a recurring problem that happens “year after year.”
“Last year, we had a similar situation, and the most we saw being done was the creation of a committee in the Assembly of the Republic to further study the issue”, she criticized.
Lusa | 19:11 – 02/08/2025
