Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 17 September 2025
Good afternoon. As far as the weather is concerned the summer is not yet over!
Since yesterday, the maximum temperatures have been increasing to levels that will be above normal for the time of year. According to IPMA maximum temperatures expected in the Alentejo will be between 35 and 39°C and in the interior North and Centre they will be between 34 and 37°C”. By Friday 70% of the mainland is forecast to be at very high and maximum fire risk! It is extremely important therefore that we do everything possible to avoid any action that may cause a fire, particularly in the use of garden/agricultural machinery.
The Prime Minister Luís Montenegro warned this Monday of the high risk of fires, taking into account the high temperatures, calling for an effort to prevent occurrences. He stated, “I want to warn the country not to let our guard down, so that in the coming weeks we can act responsibly and respectfully following the guidance that the competent authorities may issue”. “We still have before us the possibility of having, again, some adverse weather conditions and the collaboration of factors that could increase and elevate the level of risk” of fire, he warned.
This period of hot weather is expected to persist until Friday, with a sharp drop in temperatures expected over the weekend, according to the IPMA, to normal or slightly below normal values for the time of year, with a possible drop of 8 to 10 degrees in the maximum temperature in some places.
Although there has been some rain in the north and south it has not been sufficient to dampen vegetation to a level that reduces the risk, particularly in the south, where there has been little or no rain for several weeks in some places. This means that when fires do start there is a high risk they can burn with intensity and spread quickly. Even when finally extinguished there is always the risk of re-ignitions as we saw earlier this week in the Murça fire in Vila Real District, which reignited twice, once when the fire was in “Vigilance” stage.
The Judicial Police have dismantled a network that allegedly profited more than 15 million euros through online fraud, primarily targeting the elderly. The group sent victims links to fake websites that resulted in the theft of personal and banking information. A total of 64 people suspected of belonging to a transnational organized crime group were arrested this Tuesday. As part of Operation “Pivot,” which involved 400 inspectors, 73 house searches were conducted across various areas of the country, the police force announced in a statement.
The criminal scheme consisted of recruiting victims, all of Swedish nationality, generally over the age of 65, who, through various schemes, were convinced to provide access codes to their bank accounts, with the subsequent unauthorized transfer of funds to bank accounts in Portugal and other countries. Safe Communities Portugal gave advice on KissFm radio 14th September regarding on line fraud known as Phishing. This is on the rise in Europe and people need to be more aware of this.
We reported the tragic case this week of two Canadian citizens in Mesão Frio who died after being hit by a train. According to the GNR they were taking photos of an approaching train near a level crossing, when the accident occurred. The same day an 86-year-old woman and died after being hit by an Alfa Pendular train, for reasons still unclear. The accident, in the occurred at a level crossing in Ribeira de Santarém, which was reported as “in perfect working order.” This is an opportune time to remind everyone to follow the signs in place at railway lines, especially at pedestrian/road crossing points. Avoid selfies at dangerous places, and when crossing lines regardless of the signal, to always be on the lookout for approaching trains.
News
Prime Minister urges people not to let their guard down in face of high temperatures
The Prime Minister Luís Montenegro warned yesterday 15th September of the high risk of fires, taking into account the high temperatures, calling for an effort to prevent occurrences.
The prime minister was speaking to reporters after a symbolic ceremony handing over aid to farmers affected by the fires that occurred a month ago, held at the Sernancelhe City Hall in the district of Viseu.
“Today, September 15th, I want to warn the country not to let our guard down, so that in the coming weeks we can act responsibly and respectfully” following the guidance that the competent authorities may issue, he warned.
“We still have before us the possibility of having, once again, some adverse weather conditions and the collaboration of factors that could increase and elevate the level of risk” of fire.
In this regard, he urged “everyone to make an effort” so that everyone can “be even more efficient in the future to prevent major fires like those that occurred in August.” During the ceremony, the Prime Minister had already issued the same warning, stating that “the current high temperatures are very hot again, and humidity is low,” which “still poses a risk” of fire.
Government authorizes video surveillance at Mafra National Palace
Given the high national value, a video surveillance system will be installed in areas close to the Mafra Palace due to the growing number of passers-by, such as tourists.
The installation and use of a video surveillance system in the area surrounding the Mafra National Palace has already been authorized by the Government, according to a dispatch published this Monday in the Official Gazette.
In the order, the Secretary of State for Internal Administration, Telmo Correia, authorizes the installation and operation of a video surveillance system, consisting of four cameras, “operated in such a way as to guarantee the effective safeguarding of privacy and security”.
The video surveillance system is expected to operate “24 hours a day, uninterruptedly” for three years, with the possibility of renewal upon authorization from the Government.
When questioned by Lusa, the Lisbon district municipality clarified that, “following the authorization granted, it is already operationalizing the launch of the acquisition process for the necessary technological solution, with a view to its entry into production,” without, however, providing dates.
In 2019, the City Council invested more than nine thousand euros in the acquisition of physical support infrastructure and cabling.
“Given the growing influx of passers-by, particularly tourists, in the area bordering the Mafra National Palace, and given that this is a heritage site of recognized historical and cultural value, it is considered that the installation of a video surveillance system contributes to greater security for people and property,” the municipality explained.