Portugal’s new wildfire support law takes effect today, rolling out 45 measures to help families, farmers and businesses recover from devastating rural fires – from rebuilding homes and restoring farmland to replanting forests and repairing local infrastructure.
The decree-law, published on Sunday in government gazette Diário da República, is retroactive to July 1, 2025, meaning any damages from major rural fires that broke out between July 1 and now are covered by the new support package.
The law recognises wildfires as a “tragic reality that assails Portugal” and stresses that, while prevention and firefighting remain priorities, it is equally vital to offer real support to those who have seen their lives turned upside down by these fires. Explains the government, the measures cover everything from rebuilding homes and repairing infrastructure to restoring farmland, replanting forests, reviving local economies and safeguarding biodiversity and ecosystems.
Unlike in previous years, access to aid will no longer depend on the formal declaration of an emergency or disaster. Instead, support will be triggered directly by a Council of Ministers resolution, based on assessments from Civil Protection (ANEPC) and the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF). The framework was inspired by the response model created under the last government after the devastating fires of September 2024.
The package is broad, spanning people, housing, agriculture, environment, businesses, conservation and infrastructure. Victims will have access to medical care through the national health service (SNS) without paying user fees, along with free medicines and enhanced environmental monitoring of air, water and soil. Farmers will receive special aid to replace lost income, buy animal feed and cover immediate needs. Exceptional support of up to €10,000 per farmer is available, even without paperwork, subject to joint inspections by local and regional authorities.
For companies, new lines of credit and systems of support are planned, as well as investment in social equipment and up to €250,000 for rebuilding legal or legalisable housing. There are also measures to regenerate and promote fire-hit territories, with a focus on tourism, agriculture, livestock and beekeeping. Forest managers, hunting associations and local co-management committees will also be eligible for equipment and reconstruction aid.
Additionally, the law clarifies that none of these measures shield those responsible for starting of spreading fires from civil or criminal liability, as damage assessments will be carried out by municipalities and regional coordination commissions and will be reported to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal proceedings when necessary.
The financial ceiling is capped at €5 million per ministry under the exceptional spending regime, with 45 separate measures approved in total.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa signed the diploma into law on Saturday, clearing the way for its implementation.
Central Portugal tourism board to help victims too
Meanwhile, the Central Portugal tourism board – Turismo Centro de Portugal (TCP) – has launched “Construir o Futuro” (Bulding the Future), a recovery plan to help business and communities hit by this summer’s devastating wildfires.
On August 22, tourism board president Rui Ventura expressed solidarity with victims and praised firefighters and civil protection for their courage. “Without their courage and determination, the catastrophe would have been much larger”.
The tourism chief stressed that the region’s resilience and vision will help it recover quickly. “We are a people of resilient citizens and visionary entrepreneurs whose hope never wanes. Central Portugal will rise again quickly and continue to establish itself as a leading tourist destination, which every year attracts more visitors from across the world.”
The action plan starts with assessing damage to municipalities and tourism businesses before defining swift support measures in coordination with the government, Turismo de Portugal, regional councils and industry associations.
At the same time, TCP is preparing a communication campaign to reassure visitors that most of the region remains intact and ready to welcome them, while highlighting upcoming cultural and sporting events.
“The region is ready, as always, to welcome visitors with the quality and hospitality that it is known for, providing unforgettable tourist experiences,” Ventura added.
Looking further ahead, revitalisation efforts will focus on rural villages and landscapes, with projects in reforestation and community training designed to unite the region around rebuilding.
