17-18 August 2025, Portugal

17-18 August 2025
Portugal

The Portuguese government has announced an extension of the high alert regime until midnight on Tuesday, due to the ongoing heat wave and devastating wildfires.

The situation remains most alarming in Trancoso (Guarda region), where the fire has not been extinguished for more than a week. In total, there are 9 major fires in the country. Strong winds and dense smoke complicate the work of firefighters.
Since the beginning of the year, about 139 thousand hectares of land have burned in Portugal - this is 17 times more than in the same period last year.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening - a fire truck went off the road and fell into a ravine in the village of São Francisco de Asís. Two firefighters died, three are in critical condition.
There is also a report of a civilian casualty - the body of the former head of the local administration, who tried to put out the fire himself, was found in the Guarda district.