Portugal and Spain are grappling with one of the most severe wildfire outbreaks in recent years as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel blazes across the Iberian Peninsula.
In Portugal, more than 1,300 firefighters and several water-bombing aircraft remain deployed across the country to combat multiple large wildfires. The worst-affected areas include Arouca, Penamacor, and Ponte da Barca, where rugged terrain and shifting winds have complicated containment efforts.
The fire in Arouca, located around 300 kilometers north of Lisbon, has forced the closure of the popular Passadiços do Paiva walking trails and led to evacuations in nearby villages. Another blaze near Penamacor, which destroyed nearly 3,000 hectares of forest and farmland, was brought under control earlier this week, but authorities warn the risk of reignition remains high.
In Spain, major fires have erupted in Ávila (Castile and León) and Cáceres (Extremadura). The Cáceres fire alone has already scorched more than 2,500 hectares, forcing evacuations and triggering air quality alerts. Thick smoke has blanketed towns such as El Arenal, where residents have been advised to stay indoors. Military units have been deployed to assist firefighting brigades on the ground.
Extreme Conditions Fuel Crisis
Meteorologists attribute the worsening situation to a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures surpassing 40 °C across much of southern Europe. Portugal’s Forest and Sea‑Atmosphere Institutes have placed nearly the entire country under “very high” or “maximum” fire risk alerts.
Since the start of 2025, more than 22,000 hectares have burned in Portugal alone, according to official data. Spain’s interior ministry has reported similar levels of destruction, making this one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in recent memory.
Regional and International Support
Spain has provided firefighting aircraft to bolster Portugal’s operations, while more than a dozen active fires are being monitored across the region. Officials warn that strong winds and dry vegetation could allow the fires to spread further in the coming days.
“Extreme weather is making this crisis increasingly difficult to manage,” said a Portuguese civil protection spokesperson. “Human vigilance is our strongest tool every act of prevention matters.”
Outlook
Authorities across the Iberian Peninsula are urging residents to remain vigilant as temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high through the weekend. Evacuation centers have been set up in affected areas, and firefighting teams continue to work around the clock to protect communities and prevent further destruction.
