A heightened state of alert in Portugal will be in place until Friday due to a spate of forest fires which have injured up to 30 people.
The country is enduring a heatwave that is due to worsen, with parts of the mainland predicted to experience temperatures as high as 43C today (Tuesday).
More than 3,000 firefighters were reported to be tackling fires on Sunday supported by 60 aircraft deployed by the Portuguese government.
The public has been urged to avoid lighting any outdoor fires or using heavy farm machinery that could cause sparks to “prevent fires”.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued a travel alert warning that mainland Portugal is in a “state of contingency” until midnight on July 15 due to exceptionally high temperatures and a heightened risk of forest fires.
Measures in place include a ban on:
- Walking through or remaining in woodland areas, including forest, woodland and rural trails
- Burning garden and other agricultural waste
- Clearing agricultural land by resorting to burning
- Using garden and farm machinery in or near woodland areas
- Setting off fireworks
The FCDO added: “During the state of contingency, you can be prosecuted if you do not comply with these restrictions or if you do not follow the instructions of the civil protection and police authorities.
“Forest fires can occur anywhere in Portugal during the summer months. In recent years, fires have become more frequent due to drought and high temperatures. Forest fires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.”