With the arrival of summer and hot temperatures, dangers such as increased risk of wildfires come into play. Bearing this in mind, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has issued guidance for people on what actions to take in the event of a fire.
If you find yourself near a fire, immediately call 112 (the emergency number). If you are not in danger and have appropriate clothing (long-sleeved clothing, boots, and gloves), attempt to extinguish the fire with shovels, hoes, or branches.
It is advised not to hinder the efforts of firefighters, forest sappers, and other rescue forces and to follow any given instructions.
If you have vehicles on fire access routes, they should be removed. Additionally, if you observe “individuals exhibiting risky behavior, inform the authorities.”
What if the fire is near your home?
Civil Protection emphasizes the importance of alerting neighbors and watering the walls, roof, and an area extending ten meters around the house, depending on the structure of the residence.
Doors, windows, and other openings should be closed with blinds or shutters drawn. Any furniture, tarpaulins, or firewood near the dwelling should be removed.
If safe, turn off and move gas canisters to a secure location, and keep anything flammable away from windows, placing “wet towels in the gaps.”
“If not in danger, extinguish small fires with water, earth, or green branches,” the statement reads.
Trapped by the fire? Here’s what to do
Civil Protection advises moving to a shelter or collective refuge. If one isn’t nearby, find a flat area with water or minimal vegetation.
Stay close to the ground, breathing through a damp cloth to avoid smoke inhalation, and cover your head and body, using a “wet handkerchief to protect your face from heat and smoke.”
The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection suggests that in preparation for a potential evacuation, important family documents, as well as pet health records, should be kept in a safe and accessible place for quick transport.
It is recommended to have “a kit” ready with “essential items for use in an emergency,” like a first-aid kit, regular medication, water and non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, a change of clothes, a radio, flashlight, whistle, and lastly, a contact list of family and/or friends.
It should be noted that yesterday, Sunday, multiple municipalities across mainland Portugal, particularly in the interior, faced a maximum wildfire risk due to hot temperatures.
The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) also placed almost all municipalities in the 18 mainland districts at very high to elevated risk.
Remember that in 2024, the area burned was the largest in the last six years, with over 14,000 hectares consumed by 735 fires.
