The mainland is currently until 23.59 hrs on May 30, in the Alert Situation, due to the meteorological forecasts that “point to a significant increase in the risk of rural fires.”

According to a statement from the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI), the minister’s joint dispatch with this authority and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development “announcing the Special Yellow Alert State of the Special Device to Combat Rural Fires in districts of Beja, Castelo Branco, Évora, Faro, Lisbon, Portalegre, Santarém and Setúbal.”

In view of this information, the Government has determined that the whole Continental Territory will be placed on Alert, which implies the adoption of “exceptional measures” such as “raising the level of readiness and operational response by the GNR and PSP” for operations surveillance and monitoring and support to the population.

Burnings and burnings of surplus are also prohibited and the dismissal of workers from the public and private sectors who are voluntary firefighters is allowed.

The Air Force is also requested to provide air support in case of need and the coordination mechanisms for national and district operations were immediately activated.