Wildfires Force Closure of Six National Roads in Central Portugal - Critical Updates

Wildfires raging in Portugal's Central region have led to the closure of six national roads (EN) in both directions across the districts of Coimbra, Guarda, and Leiria, as reported by the GNR (National Republican Guard).

Affected Roads and Areas

• EN236: Between Castanheira de Pera (Leiria) and Alfocheira (Lousã, Coimbra)
• EN342: From Portela de Albergaria (Lousã) to Ponte de Sótão (Góis, Coimbra)
• EN222 & EN340: In Pinhel (Guarda), near Freixedas, Gouveias, Pêra do Moço, and Pinhel
• EN233 & EN324: In Guarda and Sabugal, affecting several local communities

The entire mainland is under alert, with a ban on burning and rural work involving machinery due to the high risk of wildfires.

Impact of the Wildfires

Since July, Portugal has been battling multiple wildfires, especially in the North and Central regions, exacerbated by high temperatures. The fires have resulted in one death, several injuries, and significant damage to homes, farms, and forest areas.

Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, with two Fire Boss aircraft expected to arrive to aid firefighting efforts.

Provisional data shows 139,000 hectares burned by mid-August, a stark increase compared to previous years, with nearly half of this area consumed in just two days this week.