The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent travel warning for British tourists planning to visit Portugal this summer, as devastating wildfires sweep through parts of the country. More than 1,000 firefighters are currently battling blazes just north of Porto, one of Portugal's most popular destinations for British holidaymakers. Approximately 2.5 million Brits travel to Portugal annually.
Red Heat Alert and Widespread Warnings
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has declared a red heat alert, the highest level, covering Porto and regions to the north and east of the coastal city. In total, 12 of Portugal's 18 districts are under red alert from Thursday 2 July until at least Saturday 4 July, with a 'persistent spell of extremely high temperatures, both daytime highs and overnight lows'. The remaining six regions are under orange alert, further heightening the wildfire threat.
FCDO Advice for Travellers
The FCDO warns: 'There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.' It adds: 'Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.' The office reminds tourists that starting a fire, even accidentally, is illegal and could result in a fine or prison sentence. Travellers are advised to monitor the Portuguese Met Office website for updates on active wildfires and forecasts in Portugal and Madeira.
Possible Criminal Activity
Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, has suggested that the widespread blazes, which broke out overnight, may have been deliberately set. 'Night-time does not usually provide conditions for ignitions to occur, and yet there were two ignitions at around 02:00–03:00 in the morning,' Neves told journalists in Torres Novas. He added that 'everything indicates that there was, in fact, human involvement, criminal behaviour'.
Impact on British Tourists
The warning comes as the peak summer holiday season begins, with many Brits planning trips to Portugal's Algarve, Lisbon, and Porto regions. The FCDO advises staying informed about local conditions and following instructions from Portuguese authorities, including potential evacuations and road closures.
