Civil Protection warned this Friday of a very high risk of fire in the north and centre of the country, as well as in the Algarve, due to rising temperatures with the possibility of reaching values close to 40°C.
In a statement, the National Directorate of Emergencies and Civil Protection (ANEPC) recalled that forecasts from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) indicate the possibility of reaching maximum temperatures “of values close to 40°C, and sometimes even 42 degrees.”
In addition to the heat, a scenario of relative humidity below 30% is also expected with weak recovery at night and increasing wind intensity from Monday.
Civil Protection therefore warns of very high and maximum risk of rural fires in the northern and central interior and in the Algarve, with “conditions expected to favour the possible outbreak and spread of rural fires, as well as an increase in the complexity of suppression measures.”
As preventive measures, ANEPC reminds that large-scale burning without a permit is prohibited, and on days of very high or maximum fire risk, burning of stacks without a permit or prior notice.
Authorities also recommend “exerting particular caution when traveling or staying near forested areas, paying attention to the possibility of falling branches and trees due to strong winds.”
On days when there is an increased risk of fire, it is also prohibited to use fire for cooking in all rural areas, except in critical areas and duly authorized places, for fumigation or disinfestation of apiaries, unless the fumigators have spark extinguishing devices, and to use brush cutters, brush cutters and shredders.
ANEPC recommends “adequacy of behaviour and attitude in the face of fire hazard situations in rural areas, namely the adoption of the necessary preventive and warning measures in accordance with current legislation and paying particular attention to the development of fire hazard during this period.”
In terms of heat protection, remember the importance of drinking water (at least 1.5 liters per day or equivalent to 8 glasses), applying sunscreen with a factor of more than 30 every two hours, wearing a hat and light, loose and fresh clothing, light and fresh food, paying special attention to chronically ill people, children and the elderly.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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