State of alert implies various ‘prohibitions’ to reduce chances of new fires breaking out
Mainland Portugal has been placed on a ‘state of alert’ until almost the end of next week due to the high risk of fires, and very hot temperatures.
A state of alert implies various prohibitions, to reduce the chances of new fires breaking out.
It does not affect the number of people intent on ‘arson’, but these may find their freedom of movement curtailed by dint of the prohibitions.
These are: no access, circulation or permanence inside forest areas; no ‘burning activities’ (even if prior authorisations have been given); no use of machinery in outdoor settings that could emit sparks, and no use of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices (even if these were scheduled as part of village/ rural celebrations).
The state of alert begins at midnight tonight, and is set (this far) to continue until midnight on Thursday August 7.
Minister for Internal Administration Maria Lúcia Amaral announced the decision saying “given the worsening weather forecasts that point to a significant risk of rural fires, the government has decided to declare a state of alert across the entire mainland”.
Ms Amaral warned that the coming days will be difficult and asked for “serenity and a spirit of national unity in facing this scourge.”
“I ask that you respect all instructions and guidelines from the competent authorities, that you respect the prohibitions, and that you avoid any practices that could cause fires. Conscious and preventive action by everyone is essential,” she stressed.
Expressing her gratitude to firefighters who have been working tirelessly in the north and centre for days, the minister added that ‘boots on the ground’ will be reinforced during this state of alert with operatives from the GNR, PSP and Armed Forces.
As to the current situation of fires, they are unfortunately still ‘breaking out’ in new areas, while those that broke out during the week are still requiring vigilance to avoid the risk of reignitions.
The massive fire that began in Ponte da Barca a full week ago is still causing concerns, albeit there have been reports of it being ‘in resolution’. This has not been confirmed on all news sites. RTP for example still classifies the fire as active, with risk of reignitions in areas that have been brought under control.
Meantime, the majority of municipalities throughout the mainland are at ‘maximum risk of fire’.
Sources: LUSA/RTP/SIC
