The National Emergency Management and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) warned the population on Friday of a high risk of rural fires, with maximum temperatures forecast between 40 and 42 degrees Celsius, wind and low relative humidity.
Based on forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), Civil Protection warns that the risk of rural fires will be “very high” to “maximum” in the northern and central areas of the country, in Alto Alentejo and in the Algarve.
IPMA predicts hot and dry weather in the coming days, with maximum temperatures around 40°C, “which can sometimes reach values close to 42°C in the interior”, with relative humidity (HRA) below 30%, with a weak recovery at night and an increase in winds from the northern quadrant, especially on Saturday and Sunday, with gusts of up to 65 km/h in the mountains of the central region and the Algarve.
In view of these forecasts and the consequent “complication of suppression actions, especially in the northern and central interior, Alto Alentejo and the Algarve”, ANEPC calls on the population to take preventive measures.
The law prohibits the building of large or massive fires, the use of fire for cooking in all rural areas (except when used outside critical areas and in places where permission is granted), and fumigation or disinfection of apiaries.
It is also prohibited to use brush cutters, brush cutters and shredders, all equipment with exhaust without a flame arrester, cutting equipment such as chain saws or angle grinders, and the operation of mechanical methods that generate sparks or heat when exposed to mineral or artificial elements.
Another Civil Defense warning concerns health: it is recommended to increase water consumption (at least 1.5 liters per day, equivalent to eight glasses), apply sunscreen with a factor greater than 30 every two hours, wear a hat and light, loose and cool clothing.
In line with the recommendations of the Directorate-General of Health, it also recommends choosing light and fresh foods, refreshing yourself with water throughout the day and “special attention” to chronically ill people, children and the elderly.