Portugal Wildfires Map
Portugal Wildfires Map tracks live active wildfires, satellite thermal hotspots, and smoke dispersion across Portugal in real time. Monitor verified incident perimeters, containment status, and weather-driven spread risk updated continuously using authoritative satellite radiometry from NASA FIRMS (VIIRS 375m & MODIS) and Copernicus EFFIS.
Loading Satellite Wildfire Telemetry...
Streaming active thermal detections from NASA FIRMS VIIRS & MODIS and Copernicus EFFIS.
Wildfires in Portugal today
So far in 2026, 147,500 hectares have burned in Portugal — 185% above the 20-year average.
HOW MUCH BURNS IN PORTUGAL EACH YEAR
+185% ▲147,500 hectares so far this year, 185% above the average. Out of the 26 countries the European system tracks, Portugal is the 2nd furthest above its own average.
EFFIS Copernicus · data as of 1 OctIn 2026, Portugal has recorded over 147,500 hectares burned across central and northern pine/eucalyptus corridors—tracking 185% above its historical 20-year baseline. Currently, 4 significant wildfires are under active containment by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
The combination of Atlantic wind gusts, extremely dry easterly continental airflow from the Iberian interior, and extensive unmanaged eucalyptus stands has created severe flare-up conditions across the Aveiro, Viseu, and Porto districts.
Named fires in Portugal
Detailed tactical reports with satellite radiometry, burned hectares, and suppression containment status.
| Incident / Sector | Status | Burned Footprint | Containment | Thermal FRP | Satellite Radiometer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sever do Vouga WildfireAveiro District · Central Portugal • Sep 16 High-intensity timber and eucalyptus blaze burning in rugged river valleys with aerial retardant operations underway. | Active | 18,400 hectares45,467 acres | 40% Contained | 340 MW | NOAA-20 VIIRS |
| Albergaria-a-Velha ComplexAveiro · Central Coast • Sep 16 Fast-moving wildland-urban interface fire that forced temporary closures of the A1 and A25 motorways. | Active | 12,200 hectares30,146 acres | 52% Contained | 260 MW | NOAA-21 VIIRS |
| Madeira High Peaks IncidentCurral das Freiras · Madeira Island • Aug 18 Historic volcanic mountain ridge blaze burning through high-elevation UNESCO Laurissilva forest edges. | Ended | 9,600 hectares23,722 acres | 100% Contained | Cold Footprint | MODIS Terra |
In Portugal, containment reports are issued by ANEPC (Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil). 'Em Resolução' means outward advance is halted while internal mop-up continues.
About wildfires in Portugal
Portugal faces one of the highest wildfire risk densities in Europe. The country's unique landscape is heavily covered by eucalyptus and maritime pine plantations, species that burn with explosive volatility during dry summer conditions.
The catastrophic fire season of 2017 in Pedrógão Grande transformed Portuguese forest management, accelerating real-time satellite coordination, aerial Canadair fleets, and automated SMS early warnings.
ANEPC Dispatch Command
National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority orchestrating volunteer fire brigades (Bombeiros Voluntários) and aerial firefighting fleets.
GNR GIPS Special Force
Elite emergency intervention group of the National Republican Guard trained for rapid helitack assault on deep forest fires.
Iberian Cross-Border Aid
Mutual air tanker deployment protocols with Spain and the European rescEU aerial firefighting reserve.
Today's situation
Currently, Portuguese fire commands report active mop-up and containment operations across Northern and Central Portugal. Strong localized wind currents require vigilant perimeter patrols to suppress ember spot fires.
Relative humidity is forecast to rebound overnight, improving suppression conditions for ground firefighting brigades across Aveiro and Porto.
Portugal wildfire season
Portugal's wildfire danger season is declared by ministerial decree between July 1 and September 30. During extreme heat waves, temperatures in the Alentejo and central valleys reach above 43°C.
Notable wildfires in history
Pedrógão Grande Catastrophe
Leiria DistrictSerra da Estrela Mega-Fire
Guarda / Castelo BrancoMain causes & risk factors
Pervasive Eucalyptus Monocultures
Over 800,000 hectares of fast-growing commercial eucalyptus plantations create hyper-flammable fuel loads across Central and Northern Portugal.
Complex Mountainous Topography
Steep granite and schist mountain valleys funnel thermal winds, making ground engine access exceptionally difficult.
Dry Easterly Continental Winds
Dry continental air masses flowing off the Spanish interior drop coastal humidity below 15%, turning forest floors into tinder.
Safety & preparedness
Call 112 Immediately
Report any signs of forest smoke or flames to 112. Emergency operators will dispatch nearest Bombeiros brigades.
Clear 50m Clearance Around Houses
Portuguese law mandates a cleared defensible fuel break of 50 meters around isolated residential dwellings in forested zones.
Portugal National Emergency Hotline: 112
Direct dispatch to ANEPC, Bombeiros Voluntários, and INEM emergency medical services.
Frequently asked questions
Key facts about satellite radiometry, fire seasons, and safety preparedness in Portugal.