Portugal's burnt area down fourfold so far in 2026

Between 1 January and 15 August 2026, wildfires burned 56,586 hectares in mainland Portugal, 74.7% less than the 223,189 hectares recorded over the same period in 2025, despite a 14% rise in the number of fires. Experts attribute the improvement mainly to favourable weather, including a wet, prolonged winter, rather than to prevention or firefighting policy alone. They warn the fire season is not over, citing recent major fires in Vouzela, Valpaços, Guarda, Arouca and Moncorvo, dry vegetation, and the risk posed by fuel accumulation from rural abandonment. The prime minister has acknowledged continuing high fire risk through September.