Fogos Portugal (QUICK – 2024)

Changes in rural land use, including the abandonment of agriculture and lack of forestry management, create fuel loads that allow fires to spread unchecked.

: This study uses coupled fire-atmosphere simulations to investigate the 2022 Serra da Estrela mega-fire. It explores how atmospheric conditions influence smoke transport, fire intensity, and propagation direction. fogos portugal

Portugal is witnessing the effects of a warming climate: longer summers, more frequent heatwaves (temperatures often exceeding 40°C), and severe droughts. This turns vegetation into tinder and creates conditions where fires become unstoppable megafires. Changes in rural land use, including the abandonment

Portugal is one of the European countries most affected by forest fires, a phenomenon that represents a chronic structural crisis rather than a sporadic emergency. The country’s vulnerability stems from a complex convergence of climatic conditions, demographic changes, land-use policies, and historical forest management practices. While significant improvements have been made since the devastating fires of 2017, the threat remains acute due to climate change and the persistence of monocultures. This report analyzes the trajectory of Portuguese fires, the underlying causes, the evolution of the response mechanisms, and the challenges that lie ahead. Portugal is witnessing the effects of a warming