Portugal - Wildfires (JRC EFFIS, EMSR824, media) (ECHO Daily Flash of 30 July 2025)

Since 27 July, the number of wildfires in Portugal has steadily risen, with the three biggest fires located in Arouca and Ponte da Barca in the west, and Penamacor in the east. 29 July, 168 fires occurred, 139 fires were suppressed within 90 minutes, 25 resolved after 90 minutes, and four remained active. Seven occurrences that started between July 26 and July 29 are still ongoing as of 30 July.

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (JRC EFFIS), more than 5,900 ha have burnt in Arouca, 4,373 around in Ponte da Barca, and 3,429 hectares in Penamacor. Media report as of 30 July, 20 injures and several evacuations in Ponte da Barca.

More than 2,700 firefighters have been deployed across Portugal of which 766 firefighters in Arouca and 362 in Ponte da Barca.

Due to the prolonged activity in Arouca and Ponte da Barca, on 29 July, the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMSR824) has been activated in rapid mapping mode to provide a fire extent analysis and monitoring.

Over the next 48 hours, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (JRC EFFIS), the fire danger forecast is expected to be from very high to extreme in the affected areas and from high to extreme across entire Portugal.