Portugal fires – live: Tourists flee Odemira as wildfire inferno spreads to Algarve in 46C heat

Tourists are among hundreds who have scrambled to evacuate homes and holiday resorts in Portugal as a wildfire inferno ripped across the country during a 46C heatwave.

The wildfire started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but it has since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations.

Around 1,400 people have now been evacuated as hundreds of firefighters battle the intense blaze, nine of whom have been injured. Blockades have also been put in place across several roads, with over 100 tourists scrambling out of their hotels to safety across tourist sites in Odemira.

Odemira’s mayor, Helder Guerreiro, called the situation “critical, difficult and complex” while Civil Protection commander Jose Ribeiro said there was a “lot of work” ahead to bring the wildfire under control.

Two active fronts have now been confirmed, with one heading to a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside. Monchique, which last burned in 2018, is popular among locals and tourists due to its thermal springs and hotels.

The news comes following temperatures of 46.4C on Monday, recorded in Santarém.

Key Points

• Tourists scramble to evacuate as wildfire inferno rips across Portugal’s holiday hotspots

• Where in the Algarve have the wildfires spread to?

• Met Office issues weather update across Spain, Portugal and Africa

• Two ‘active fronts’ of wildfire confirmed, with one heading towards Algarve countryside

• Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

Map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy

09:00 , Stuti Mishra

Wildfires have ravaged two countries in Europe this week, forcing thousands of evacuations as firefighters battle on in tinderbox conditions.

Extreme heat and billowing winds have created the perfect storm for fires to rip through swathes of land in Portugal and Italy.

Portugal is facing wildfires raging across the south of the country, with more than 850 firefighters battling to put out the flames.

Here’s the map showing where the fires are:

Europe wildfires map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy

In pictures: Firefighters continue battle against Portugal blazes

08:52 , Eleanor Noyce

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling a series of wildfires in Portugal as it and neighbouring Spain experience several days of extreme summer heat, with temperatures in many areas rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F).

Three major fires raged in Portugal on Tuesday, with the biggest in the southwest near the town of Odemira, where on Monday about 1,400 people were evacuated from villages and a campsite as a precaution. They were gradually returning home on Tuesday.

The National Civil Protection Service said about 1,000 firefighters, 320 vehicles and nine aircraft were deployed at that fire on Tuesday. It has so far scorched around 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres).

What is the weather forecast for Portugal today?

08:15 , Stuti Mishra

Hundreds of firefighters have scrambled to put out wildfires now raging in Portugal as temperatures topped 46C during the country’s third heatwave of the year.

On Monday, Portuguese weather agency IPMA issued six red alerts for extreme heat across the country, including across the capital, Lisbon. Meanwhile, on Tuesday three districts in the country’s north were issued with the same warning as temperatures were expected to rise once again.

Eleanor Noyce has the weather forecast for the coming days here:

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

Wildfires raging in Hawaii burn homes

07:30 , Stuti Mishra

Wildfires also erupted in several Hawaii communities forcing people to evacuate as the blaze destroyed at least two homes as of today morning.

Two regions. Maui and the Big Island were contending with wildfires. One Maui fire in Lahaina was contained, but firefighters were still dealing with another in the Kula area.

Two homes were destroyed in a fire that engulfed about 1,100 acres, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. About 80 people were evacuated from 40 homes, he said.

"We're trying to protect homes in the community," Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth said of evacuating about 400 homes in four communities in the northern part of the island. As of today morning, the roof of one house caught on fire, he said.

Because of the wind gusts, helicopters aren't able to dump water on the fires from the sky — or gauge more precise fire sizes, Mr Roth said.

Read more:

It's very windy and dry in Hawaii. Strong gusts complicate wildfires and prompt evacuations

Spain wildfires largely controlled, officials say

07:00 , Stuti Mishra

Spain is faring better with its wildfires this week despite the high temperatures of the country's third heat wave this summer.

Officials said three fires that started over the weekend have been brought under control or had been extinguished by today.

The biggest blaze, in the northeast, burned about 600 hectares and required the evacuation of 150 people.

The only fire out of control in Spain is in the southwest near the Portuguese border. Some 20 people in two rural hostels were evacuated. Strong winds were reported to be complicating firefighting efforts.

Spain's AEMET weather agency said temperatures will continue to rise at least until Friday, with some areas of the southern Andalusia region hitting 44 C (111 F).

A drought in Spain for the past two years has led to water restrictions in several parts of the country. Spain's Ecological Transition Ministry said Tuesday that reservoirs nationally were at 41 per cent of their capacity owing to high temperatures and the severe lack of rain.

Temperatures soar in Iberia amid wildfires

06:30 , Stuti Mishra

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling a series of wildfires in Portugal as it and neighbouring Spain experience several days of extreme summer heat, with temperatures in many areas rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104F).

On Monday, the city of Santarem, about 80km northeast of the capital, Lisbon, set the year's highest temperature at 46.4C (115.5F). Temperatures are forecast to fall nationwide from today, though they will mostly remain above 30C (86F).

Day 4 of Portugal wildfires

06:05 , Stuti Mishra

High temperatures and strong winds continue to hamper efforts to control wildfires raging in Portugal that have scorched thousands of hectares and forced the evacuation of about 1,400 people.

The wildfires, which started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira in Alentejo region, have since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal’s top tourist destinations.

Jose Ribeiro, regional commander of the emergency and civil protection authority (ANPC), said weather conditions were expected to remain challenging.

“It is a worrying situation,” Mr Ribeiro told reporters on Tuesday, adding there were two active fronts, with one heading to Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside.

Portugal wildfire visible from space

05:16 , Stuti Mishra

The wildfires in Portugal have grown so big they're visible from space.

This satellite image released by the European space agency Copernicus shows the size and extent of the raging fires.

Wednesday 9 August 2023 00:15 , Andy Gregory

We’re going to pause live updates on the blog for tonight, thanks for following here.

My colleagues will be back in a few hours’ time to bring you further developments.

You can read our latest report on the wildfires here, or keep scrolling to catch up on today’s news, as we reported it:

Video report: Firefighters battle wildfires in Portugal as thousands forced to evacuate

Wednesday 9 August 2023 00:02 , Andy Gregory

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwav

Tuesday 8 August 2023 23:16 , Andy Gregory

Tuesday’s heat in Odemira was expected to reach highs of 36C, with 30C predicted on Wednesday.

However, the forecast shows hope of respite elsewhere amidst the recent heat, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 29C across Lisbon and 27C in Faro on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, temperatures are also expected to dip to highs of 28C in Lisbon and Faro, with another uptick in temperature anticipated towards the end of the week. On Thursday and Friday, Lisbon is expected to reach highs of 31C and 32C, 32C and 33C in Faro.

My colleague Eleanor Noyce has more in this report:

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 22:32 , Andy Gregory

Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.

This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal. The fire started on Saturday 5 August in the Odemira area north of the Algarve, and since then has swept south.

If you’re booked to travel to Portugal, is it still safe to go? And what are your rights if you cancel a holiday? Here’s what we know so far.

Our travel editor Helen Coffey has this advice for holidaymakers:

Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?

Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?

07:57 , Stuti Mishra

Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.

This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal.

If you’re booked to travel to Portugal, is it still safe to go? And what are your rights if you cancel a holiday? Here’s what we know so far.

Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?

Are Greece wildfires caused by climate change?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 21:52 , Andy Gregory

While the cause of the blazes in Rhodes last month have not officially been identified, local authorities have suggested at least some could have been the work of arsonists.

But climate science and fire risk specialists say it’s undeniable that rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves mean the fires in the Mediterranean country have spread faster and burned over larger areas.

My colleague Maanya Sachdeva reports:

Are Greece wildfires caused by climate change?

Antarctica is missing an area of sea ice the size of Greenland — what’s going on?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 20:26 , Andy Gregory

While scorching temperatures are currently being recorded in the Iberian Peninsula, perhaps the most alarming global climate event is occurring on the far side of the world in Antarctica, where sea ice formation has hit a record low – and by a colossal margin.

It is now deep winter in the southern hemisphere; most of Antarctica is plunged into darkness for several months and the vast tracts of sea ice that fringe the continent’s coast are usually expanding out over the open ocean.

But this year, sea ice formation has dropped off a cliff. The continent is currently missing an area of ice larger than Greenland.

“It’s not just a record, it’s a ‘hit out of the ball park’ type thing,” says Caroline Holmes, a polar climate scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. “It really is very different.”

Harry Cockburn has more in this long read:

‘Shocking’ loss of sea ice in Antarctica and what it means for us all

Met Office says heat expected to ‘extend further north and east’

Tuesday 8 August 2023 19:33 , Andy Gregory

The UK’s Met Office has also issued information on the weather in Spain, Portugal and Africa as wildfires rage across some of Portugal’s most popular tourist hotspots.

“Temperatures have increased across Spain, Portugal and North Africa in recent days, widely into the mid 30s C, if not into the low to mid 40s C”, the national forecaster tweeted. “The heat is expected to extend further north and east by midweek, before temperatures return closer to average by the weekend.”

As of Monday, Portugal’s minister of internal administration confirmed that “for now” the government will not declare an alert.

Full report: Portugal wildfires see thousands of people evacuated amid 46C heatwave

Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:37 , Andy Gregory

Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal where 1,400 people have been evacuated in a 46C heatwave.

The wildfire started on Saturday in the Odemira region on the west coast but it has since spread south towards the tourist hotspot of the Algarve.

Nine have reportedly been injured as a result of the fire.

My colleague William Mata has the full report:

Portugal wildfires see thousands evacuated amid 46C heatwave

Millions stay indoors as Iberian Peninsula hit by heatwave and wildfires

Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:53 , Andy Gregory

Millions of people in parts of Portugal and Spain have opted to remain indoors on the second day of the heatwave sweeping the Iberian Peninsula.

In Portugal, authorities declared some 120 municipalities in the north and central areas of the country's interior, as well as in the popular holiday destination of Algarve in the south, at maximum risk of wildfires due to the scorching heat.

Weather agency IPMA also put three districts in the northeast on red alert for high temperatures.

On Monday, temperatures in the central towns of Portalegre and Santarem broke five-year local records at 42.1C and 46.4C, the latter just short of the national record of 47.3C set in August 2003.

In Lisbon, residents and tourists saw some respite as temperatures dropped to 31C from Monday's more than 41C, and were expected to remain around that level for the next few days. In Madrid, visitors waiting in line to enter the Prado museum were sprayed with water by employees.

Spanish wildfires largely brought under control

Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:12 , Andy Gregory

Spain is faring better with its wildfires this week despite the high temperatures of the country’s third heatwave this summer.

Officials said three fires that started over the weekend have been brought under control or had been extinguished Tuesday. The biggest blaze, in the northeast, burned about 1,500 acres and required the evacuation of 150 people.

The only fire still out of control in Spain is in the southwest near the Portuguese border. Some 20 people in two rural hostels were evacuated. Strong winds were reported to be complicating firefighting efforts.

Temperatures will continue to rise at least until Friday, with some areas of the southern Andalusia region hitting 44C, Spain’s weather agency said.

An unprecedented two-year drought has led to water restrictions in parts of Spain, and the country’s ecological transition ministry said on Tuesday that reservoirs nationally were at 41 per cent of their capacity owing to high temperatures and the severe lack of rain.

More than 1,000 firefighters called upon

Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:43 , William Mata

More than 1,000 firefighters are now said to be battling fires both in Portugal and over the border in Spain.

Three major fires raged in Portugal on Tuesday, with the biggest in the southwest near the town of Odemira, where on Monday about 1,400 people were evacuated from villages and a campsite as a precaution. They were gradually returning home on Tuesday.

The National Civil Protection Service said about 1,000 firefighters, 320 vehicles and nine aircraft were deployed at that fire on Tuesday. It has so far scorched around 17,300 acres.

‘Bulldozers being used to break fire'

Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:50 , William Mata

Bulldozers are reportedly being used as a means to build fire breaks and prevent the blaze from spreading further.

Emergency and civil protection authority commander Andre Fernandes has said villages such as Monchique - locally famous for its springs and hotels - are being evacuated.

Monchique, which last burned in 2018, is one of 20 villages, four tourist accommodations and a camping site have been evacuated as a precaution. Several roads have also been blocked off.

There are currently several wildfires burning across Portugal but Odemira is the most worrying, Mr Fernandes said.

Lisbon under red alert

Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:31 , William Mata

Lisbon has been placed under red alert - with temperatures expected to reach 41C in the city of Castelo Branco.

Windy.com on Twitter showed a graphic with the central regions of Portugal to be most affected by the heat.

Authorities say more than 120 Portuguese municipalities, including in Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve, are at maximum risk of wildfires.

“The weather conditions we are going to experience in the coming days means any small occurrence (fire) could become a big one,” Civil Protection secretary of state Patricia Gaspar told a news conference.

Europe wildfires map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy

Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:05 , William Mata

A map projection is showing how the wildfires are ripping through Portugal and also Italy.

Portugal is facing wildfires raging across the south of the country, with more than 850 firefighters battling to put out the flames. The first wildfire started in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region on Saturday, but it has since spread south towards the Algarve.

Elsewhere, in Italy, wildfires have been spreading across the island of Sardinia.

Maryam Zakir Hussain and Eleanor Noyce have the full story here.

In pictures: Wildfires in Portugal

Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:57 , William Mata

Air quality in Odemira rated as poor

Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:10 , Eleanor Noyce

Forecaster AccuWeather has rated the current air quality in Odemira – where the inferno began – as poor, warning of high levels of pollution unhealthy for sensitive groups. It has advised locals to avoid going outside if they feel unwell, urging of symptoms including difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

Tuesday’s heat in Odemira is expected to reach highs of 36C, with 30C expected on Wednesday.

However, the forecast shows hope of respite elsewhere amidst the recent heat, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 29C across Lisbon and 27C in Faro on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, this is expected to dip up to 28C across both locations, with another uptick in temperature anticipated towards the end of the week. On Thursday and Friday, Lisbon is expected to reach highs of 31C and 32C, 32C and 33C in Faro.

Read more here:

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

After the wildfires: Greece prays for tourism as islanders sift through the ashes

Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:40 , Eleanor Noyce

And just like that, it’s gone,” 75-year-old Elpida Voyatzis said softly, standing outside her home in Kiotari – a town left devastated by the wildfires that raged for 10 straight days on the island of Rhodes.

Where once there were acres of trees and vines bursting with grapes, olives, pomegranates and figs, where Elpida and her husband have spent the past 20 years nurturing a bountiful farm, is now a waste land devoid of all but a single tree.

While the flames stopped just a few metres short of her home and holiday apartments, behind her lay the burnt-out husks of close to a dozen houses overlooking the beach – the final point in a path of destruction forged by the fire at terrifying speed.

Residents fear hard months may lie ahead after fires hit peak holiday season, reports Andy Gregory:

After the wildfires: Greece prays for tourism as islanders sift through the ashes

Which countries are still fighting wildfires?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 13:11 , Eleanor Noyce

Elsewhere in Italy, wildfires have been spreading across the island of Sardinia.

The Cagliari and Nuoro Provinces have been severely impacted, with 28 active fire in Nuoro Province and 16 in Cagliari Province confirmed by the Italian authorities. Of these fires, 13 required support from the state fleet.

According to local media reports, four people have been injured and at least 600 people evacuated, with over 12,000 people cut off from their water supply across the Podasa and Siniscola Municipalities.

Meanwhile, the JRC European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) reports that the main fire in the Posada area covers 514 hectares, with other blazes in the Cagliari Province spanning 657 hectares.

In Algeria, approximately 35 wildfires have been spreading across more than 11 regions in the northeast since 24 July. The Algerian Government has reported 34 deaths, with temperatures exceeding 45C and high wind speeds reaching over 50kmph by the Tunisian border worsening the situation.

Here, the fires have most affected Bejaïa, Skikda, Tizi ouzou, Bouira, Jijel and Boumerdes.

Watch: Firefighters battle wildfires in Portugal as thousands forced to evacuate

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:24 , Eleanor Noyce

Hundreds of firefighters scrambled on Tuesday to put out a blaze raging in southern Portugal that has scorched thousands of hectares of land and forced the evacuation of around 1,400 people.

The wildfire, currently being tackled by over 850 firefighters and six water-bombing planes, started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but has since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal‘s top tourist destinations.

High temperatures and strong winds have complicated efforts to fight the flames, which have destroyed around 6,700 hectares of land. Jose Ribeiro, commander of the emergency and civil protection authority, said weather conditions were expected to remain a challenge.

Watch:

Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 12:01 , Eleanor Noyce

Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.

This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal.

The fire started on Saturday 5 August in the Odemira area north of the Algarve, and since then has swept south.

Helen Coffey reports:

Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:51 , Eleanor Noyce

Hundreds of firefighters have scrambled to put out wildfires now raging in Portugal as temperatures topped 46C during the country’s third heatwave of the year.

The blaze began on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but it has now spread south towards the Algarve.

One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, it is currently being fought by over 800 firefighters, at least nine of whom have been injured.

Read more:

Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave

Greek prime minister promises ‘free week’s holiday to Rhodes’ for holidaymakers whose trips were cut short

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:41 , Eleanor Noyce

Meanwhile, holidaymakers whose trips to Rhodes were cut short by wildfires have been offered a week’s free stay on the island by the Greek prime minister.

After wildfires ravaged up to 15 per cent of Rhodes, Kyriakos Mitsotakis told ITV Good Morning Britain: “The island is perfectly back to normal.”

Around 20,000 tourists were evacuated from resorts in the southeast of the island when wildfires spread on 22 July.

Many overseas visitors were placed in emergency shelters set up in schools and other public buildings, and flown back early in an airlift.

Simon Calder reports:

Greek prime minister promises ‘free week’s holiday to Rhodes’

Which other countries have experienced wildfires this summer?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:27 , Eleanor Noyce

Portugal’s wildfires mirror conditions seen across Europe in recent weeks, with Greece, Italy and Spain struggling under a barrage of heat.

Blazes have also raged across the Mediterranean island of Sardinia in recent days, with strong winds fanning the flames and complicating efforts to keep the fires under control.

Across the northeast of the island, a major wildfire burned on Sunday (6 August), forcing the evacuation of approximately 600 people, including tourists, across camping sites, luxury resorts, hotels and nearby restaurants.

Last month, Rhodes battled intense wildfires fuelled by unpredictable winds, with a state of emergency extended across the Greek island.

The civil protection agency confirmed that the state of emergency would remain in place for six months “to deal with emergencies and manage the consequences of catastrophic forestry fire.”

In July, at least 2,000 people were also evacuated as a forest fire burned out of control on the Spanish island of La Palma.

What is causing the heatwave across Portugal?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:15 , Eleanor Noyce

The factors causing the latest heatwave are a stable atmosphere - leading to cloudless skies - and the arrival of a large mass of hot and dry air from North Africa, Ruben del Campo of Spanish weather agency AEMET, told Reuters.

“This heatwave is going to be generally more intense, more widespread and a little longer-lasting than the two we had in July,” he added.

The combination of scorching temperatures and very low humidity caused water in reservoirs to evaporate at a faster rate, just as consumption was also on the rise, worsening the effects of the long-running drought afflicting Spain, he said.

No state of alert in place ‘for now'

Tuesday 8 August 2023 11:05 , Eleanor Noyce

On Monday, Portugal’s minister of internal administration confirmed that “for now” the government will not declare an alert as wildfires spread across parts of the south.

“Either because of the response of the (teams), or because of the number of fires, or because of the change that seems to be positive in the movement of winds – and also because there has been, from yesterday to today, a relative replacement of nocturnal humidity, for now the alert situation will not be ordered”, minister José Luís Carneiro told reporters yesterday, Portugal Resident reports.

Two ‘active fronts’ of wildfire confirmed, with one heading towards Algarve countryside

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Odemira’s mayor, Helder Guerreiro, called the situation “critical, difficult and complex” while Ribeiro said there was a “lot of work” ahead to bring the wildfire under control.

“It is a worrying situation,” Ribeiro told reporters during a morning briefing, adding there were two active fronts, with one heading to Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside.

Monchique, which last burned in 2018, is popular among locals and tourists due to its thermal springs and hotels.

What is the weather forecast in Portugal?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:40 , Eleanor Noyce

Temperature-wise, today’s heat in Odemira is expected to reach highs of 36C, with 30C expected tomorrow.

Forecaster AccuWeather has rated the current air quality in Odemira – where the inferno began – as poor, warning of high levels of pollution unhealthy for sensitive groups. It has advised locals to avoid going outside if they feel unwell, urging of symptoms including difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

However, the forecast shows hope of respite elsewhere amidst the recent heat, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 29C across Lisbon and 27C in Faro on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, this is expected to dip up to 28C across both locations, with another uptick in temperature anticipated towards the end of the week. On Thursday and Friday, Lisbon is expected to reach highs of 31C and 32C, 32C and 33C in Faro.

Air quality rated as ‘poor’ across Odemira, where Portugal’s inferno began

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Forecaster AccuWeather has rated the current air quality in Odemira – where the inferno began – as poor, warning of high levels of pollution unhealthy for sensitive groups.

It has advised locals to avoid going outside if they feel unwell, urging of symptoms including difficulty breathing or throat irritation.

On Tuesday, three districts in the country’s north were issued with a red warning for extreme heat as temperatures were expected to reach 41C in the northern city of Castelo Branco.

In pictures: Portugal battles as wildfire inferno spreads to Algarve

Tuesday 8 August 2023 10:05 , Eleanor Noyce

Portuguese weather agency IPMA on Monday put six districts in the country, including the capital, Lisbon, on red alert for extreme heat until midnight.

Authorities have declared more than 120 municipalities across Portugal at maximum risk of wildfires.

“The weather conditions we are going to experience in the coming days means any small occurrence (fire) could become a big one,” Civil Protection secretary of state Patricia Gaspar told a news conference.

Three districts in Portugal‘s north were placed under red alert on Tuesday as temperatures were expected to reach 41 Celsius (105.8 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Castelo Branco.

Where did Portugal’s wildfires start?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:57 , Eleanor Noyce

Hundreds of firefighters scrambled on Tuesday to put out a blaze raging in southern Portugal that has scorched thousands of hectares of land and forced the precautionary evacuation of around 1,400 people.

The wildfire started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but has since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal‘s top tourist destinations.

A town and municipality in the Beja District, Odemira’s population was recorded in 2011 as 26,066. Spanning 1720.60 km², it is the largest municipality of Portugal by area. It is famous for its wild beaches.

Where in the Algarve have the wildfires spread to?

Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:51 , Eleanor Noyce

The wildfire, currently being tackled by over 800 firefighters, started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but has since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal‘s top tourist destinations.

The blaze has now spread to the interior woodland in the Algarve.

High temperatures and strong winds are complicating efforts to combat the flames, which have destroyed around 6,700 hectares of land. Shortly before sunset on Monday, the sky in Odemira turned dark as a huge smoke cloud filled the air.

Three districts in Portugal‘s north were placed under red alert on Tuesday as temperatures were expected to reach 41 Celsius (105.8 Fahrenheit) in the northern city of Castelo Branco.

Met Office issues weather update across Spain, Portugal and Africa

Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:42 , Eleanor Noyce

The Met Office has issued a key weather update across Spain, Portugal and Africa as wildfires rage across some of Portugal’s most popular tourist hotspots.

“Temperatures have increased across Spain, Portugal and North Africa in recent days, widely into the mid 30s °C, if not into the low to mid 40s °C”, the Met Office’s statement, released via X, read.

“The heat is expected to extend further north and east by midweek, before temperatures return closer to average by the weekend.”

Tourists scramble to evacuate as wildfire inferno rips across Portugal’s holiday hotspots

Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:39 , Eleanor Noyce

Hundreds of tourists have scrambled to evacuate their holiday resorts in Portugal as a wildfire inferno ripped across the country during a new 46C heatwave.

The wildfire started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but it has since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations.

Around 1,400 people have now been evacuated as hundreds of firefighters battle the intense blaze, nine of whom have been injured. Blockades have also been put in place across several roads, with over 100 tourists scrambling out of their hotels to safety across tourist sites in Odemira.

Odemira’s mayor, Helder Guerreiro, called the situation “critical, difficult and complex” while Civil Protection commander Jose Ribeiro said there was a “lot of work” ahead to bring the wildfire under control.

“The weather conditions we are going to experience in the coming days means any small occurrence (fire) could become a big one,” Civil Protection secretary of state Patricia Gaspar told a news conference.

Tuesday 8 August 2023 09:38 , Eleanor Noyce

Good morning, and welcome to our live blog. As wildfires ravage tourist areas in Portugal, we’ll be bringing you the latest updates.