Portugal is currently grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with over 216,000 hectares of land ravaged by flames this summer. This figure represents a stark increase, more than doubling the area affected during the same period last year, underscoring a significant escalation in fire activity across the nation.
The devastating infernos have tragically claimed at least two lives. Carlos Damaso, a former mayor, perished while bravely fighting a blaze in his locality. Firefighter Daniel Bernardo Agrelo also met a tragic end in a traffic accident while en route to a fire. These profound losses highlight the extreme perils faced by those on the front lines of these environmental battles.
Currently, approximately 2,600 firefighters, supported by 20 aircraft, are engaged in the arduous task of combating the widespread blazes. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated. This crucial activation facilitates the deployment of aerial resources from Sweden and Morocco, bolstering national efforts to contain and extinguish the fires.
This year's fire season has seen an alarming increase in intensity and scale, with preliminary data indicating that by mid-August, around 139,000 hectares had already burned, a figure 17 times greater than that recorded for the same period in 2024. Notably, nearly half of this year's total burned area was consumed in just two days earlier in the week. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) places Portugal as the third EU country with the most burned area this year, following Spain and Romania.
The number of fires reported has also surged by 79% compared to the same period last year, with a total of 6,229 rural fires recorded to date, comprising 50% scrubland, 40% forest, and 10% farmland. In response to the escalating crisis, Portugal has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting international assistance. This has led to the expected arrival of two Fire Boss aircraft from Spain and the extension of the use of two Canadair firefighting aircraft borrowed from Morocco.
The EU's rescEU firefighting fleet, a joint strategic reserve, has also been mobilized, with planes stationed in France and Sweden being deployed to assist. This collaborative approach, involving multiple European nations and even Morocco, highlights the interconnected nature of addressing such widespread environmental challenges. The severity of the 2025 wildfire season is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of such events, often linked to climate change and environmental factors. Experts emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies addressing the root causes of these devastating fires, including long-term forest management and fire prevention initiatives. The nation's 'Plano Floresta 2050' is an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the country's approach to its vast woodland areas, seeking to build greater resilience against future fire seasons.