NOTICE No. 12/DCS/2026

DATE 01-07-2026

TIME 13:00

NOTICE TO THE POPULATION

RURAL FIRE HAZARD – PREVENTIVE MEASURES

NATIONAL EMERGENCY AND CIVIL PROTECTION AUTHORITY

1.SITUATION

According to information from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), a worsening of weather conditions associated with hot and dry weather is expected in the coming days, highlighting:

• Increase in maximum temperature, with values ​​above 40ºC, in several regions of the territory;
• Relative Humidity (RH) below 30% in most of the territory, with weak nighttime recovery;
• Strong winds in the highlands of the North, Center, Alto Alentejo and in the Algarve mountains, with gusts of up to 80 km/h;

– Very High to Maximum risk of rural fires throughout the territory.

Meteorological information at www.ipma.pt

2. EXPECTED EFFECTS

Increased risk of fire, with conditions favorable to the possible occurrence and spread of rural fires, as well as increased difficulty in suppression actions, in most of the continental territory.

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) reminds that, according to the current legal provisions:

– Extensive Burning is PROHIBITED;

– On days of Very High and Maximum fire danger, it is FORBIDDEN to burn piles of debris;

– On days of Very High and Maximum fire danger, it is FORBIDDEN to use fire for food preparation throughout the rural area, except in expressly authorized locations.

– On days of Very High and Maximum fire danger, it is FORBIDDEN to fumigate or disinfect apiaries unless the fumigators have spark arresters;

– On days with Very High and Maximum fire risk, it is FORBIDDEN to use brush cutters, cutters and shredders. Avoid using disc harrows;

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) recommends adapting behaviours and attitudes in relation to the rural fire risk situation, especially adopting the necessary prevention and precaution measures, in accordance with current legislation, and paying special attention to the evolution of the fire risk during this period.

Follow the evolution of the fire risk for the coming days at www.ipma.pt, at www.icnf.pt, or with the Municipal Civil Protection Services and Fire Departments.

4. HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH FROM THE HEAT – RECOMMENDATIONS

To protect yourself from the heat, ANEPC reinforces the importance of:

– Increasing water intake, at least 1.5 liters/day, the equivalent of 8 glasses;

– Apply sunscreen with a factor greater than 30 every 2 hours;

– Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting, and cool clothing;

– Opt for light and fresh meals;

– Refresh yourself with water throughout the day;

– Pay special attention to people with chronic illnesses, children, and the elderly.

Heat: DGS recommendations at: www.dgs.pt

ANEPC | Communication and Awareness Division

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INCREASED RISK OF RURAL FIRES –  Preventive and Operational Measures

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) informs that weather forecasts for the coming days indicate a very significant increase in the risk of rural fires, reaching extreme and particularly serious levels in the North and Central regions, starting in the early morning of July 2nd.

The following are expected:

• Maximum temperatures exceeding 40º C in several regions of the territory;
• Relative humidity below 30%, with weak recovery during the night;
• Strong winds in the highlands of the North, Center, Alto Alentejo and Algarve mountains, with gusts up to 80 km/h;
• Very High to Maximum risk of rural fires throughout the continental territory.

These conditions favor the occurrence and rapid spread of rural fires, simultaneously hindering firefighting operations.

Furthermore, some of the most exposed areas correspond to territories where, historically, there is a high incidence of rural fires, increasing the likelihood of multiple ignitions occurring simultaneously.

The forecasts also indicate that this scenario could persist for several days, potentially leading to large-scale, long-lasting, and high-impact fires, with increased risk to people, homes, infrastructure, and natural spaces.

In light of this situation, it was determined that the Special Readiness State (EPE) would be reinforced to level III of the Integrated System of Protection and Relief Operations (SIOPS), within the scope of the Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR).

The ANEPC (National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority) determined the adoption of the following preventive and operational measures:

• Activation of the National Operational Coordination Center to monitor the situation;
• Reinforcement of the permanent monitoring of the operational situation;
• Anticipation of the positioning of firefighting resources in strategic locations, according to risk assessment;
• Reinforcement of patrolling, surveillance and inspection in the most sensitive areas;
• Permanent coordination between Sub-Regional, Regional and National Emergency and Civil Protection Commands, Civil Protection Agents and entities with a special duty of cooperation;
• Reinforcement of the readiness of available land and air resources;
• Pre-positioning of teams and intervention groups in different regions of the country;
• Intensification of awareness-raising actions among the population.

Pre-positioning of resources:

Special Civil Protection Force (FEPC)

• Pre-positioning of the Extended Attack Reinforcement Group (GRUATA) in Cardosos (Leiria).
• Fire Departments
• GRUATA of Greater Lisbon at the Military Emergency Support Regiment, in Abrantes;
• GRUATA of Beiras and Serra da Estrela at the Logistics Support Base (BAL) in Mangualde; – Rural Firefighting Reinforcement Group (GRIR) of the Porto Metropolitan Area at the Vila Real Local Action Base (BAL);
• GRIR of the Central Region at the Albergaria-a-Velha BAL;
• GRIR of Alentejo in Ourique.

Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF)

• Anticipation of operational measures in coordination with the Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Commands;
• Reinforcement of awareness among the competent authorities regarding the conditions for authorizing controlled burns and recommendations directed to the population;
• Pre-positioning of Forest Firefighting Teams and Brigades, in coordination with the respective Sub-Regional Commands;
• Pre-positioning of a Rural Firefighting Reinforcement Group (GRIR) from the Forest Firefighters Force at the Forest Operations and Techniques Center (COTF)

Armed Forces (FA)

– Guarantee of the management and readiness of operational capabilities, in accordance with DON No. 2 of DECIR.

National Republican Guard (GNR)

• Reinforcement of the readiness of the operational device;
• Intensification of patrolling, surveillance and inspection actions in areas of greatest fire risk.
• Liaison officers to the Operational Coordination Centers
• Permanent monitoring of the situation and immediate coordination with the National, Regional and Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Commanders and the Assistance Commander (CAS)M to the CNEPC;
• Participation in the briefings of the Operational Coordination Centers.

Given the predicted conditions of very high danger and the expected extreme fire behavior in the coming days, the media is requested to disseminate the following recommendations to the public.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE POPULATION – PREVENTIVE AND SELF-PROTECTION MEASURES

Avoid risky behaviours

• Do not start any type of fire in open spaces. About two-thirds of rural fires originate from negligent behavior.
• Avoid using equipment that may produce sparks or heat in areas with dry vegetation. Postpone all work with agricultural and forestry machinery that is not essential.
• Never throw cigarette butts or matches on the ground or out the window of a vehicle.
• Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, as the heat from the engine can cause ignitions.
• Whenever possible, avoid traveling to forest and rural areas.

Reinforce the self-protection of your home

− Keep the area surrounding your home free of vegetation and other combustible materials.

− Keep firewood, gas cylinders, wood, and other flammable materials away from the house.

– Regularly clean roofs, gutters, and grounds of dry leaves and plant debris.

– Seal cracks in roofs, windows, and eaves that could allow sparks to enter.

– Prepare a family emergency plan and identify a safe place to go if necessary.

– Keep emergency contacts with you and keep your mobile phone charged.

– Follow the information and instructions released by the authorities.

In case of fire

If you detect a fire:

– Immediately call 112.

– Indicate, whenever possible, the exact location of the incident.

– Do not attempt to fight the fire if there are intense flames or a risk to your safety.

– Quickly move to a safe place and follow the instructions of the authorities.

– If you are traveling to or near a fire, immediately move away from the area.

Protection starts with you. It starts with everyone.

During periods of very high fire risk, most incidents result from human behavior. A small oversight can trigger a large fire, endangering human lives, homes, infrastructure, and natural heritage.

Prevention remains the most effective way to protect people, property, and the territory. Adopt safe behaviors and contribute to preventing rural fires.

ANEPC will continue to monitor the evolution of weather conditions and fire risk, maintaining the Special Device for Combating Rural Fires in a high state of readiness.

In case of fire, call 112.

July 1, 2026