Fires: Civil Protection warns that burning and brushcutting are prohibited

The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority ( ANEPC ) warned today that it is prohibited to carry out extensive burning and use brushcutters in the coming days, due to the increased risk of fire, particularly in the North, Center and Algarve.

The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere ( IMPA ) reported that more than 60 municipalities in the districts of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Guarda, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Santarém, Castelo Branco, Portalegre and Faro are today at maximum risk of rural fires.

Several others in the northern and central interior and the Algarve are in very high danger, while the remaining regions of the mainland are in high danger.

The risk of rural fires will increase over the next few days, at least until the end of next week.

In a statement, Civil Protection reminds that, under these conditions, it is prohibited to carry out extensive burning and, when the risk is very high and maximum, to burn piles, use fire to prepare food in rural areas (except in authorized areas), fumigate or disinfect in apiaries (except if there are "spark retention devices") and use brush cutters, brush cutters and shredders.

The Authority also urges the population to, to mitigate the effects of the heat, consume at least 1.5 liters of water per day (eight glasses); apply sunscreen with a factor of over 30 every two hours; wear a hat and light, loose, and cool clothing; and opt for light, fresh meals.

ANEPC also calls for "extra attention to be paid to vulnerable people, such as chronically ill people, children and the elderly."

According to the IPMA, in some places temperatures could reach around 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days.

Photo: municipality of Arouca.