Wildfire near Arouca
Satellite image: NASA MODIS (infrared — active fire in orange/red, from yesterday).
Heat detections: NASA FIRMS (last 48h).
Quick facts
- Personnel
- 253
- Jurisdiction
- ANEPC
An active wildfire burning near Arouca, Portugal, has consumed 180 hectares (445 acres) since its start on August 18, 2026. Satellites are picking up a moderate heat signature from the active front, alongside seven heat detections clustered nearby over the past 48 hours that trace the spread of the flames.
A ground response of 253 personnel deployed by ANEPC is currently working to suppress the blaze. This incident unfolds during Portugal's typical fire season, which runs from June to October. Wider seasonal tracking shows that 57,663 hectares have burned so far in 2026, marking a total that sits 45% below the two-decade average for the country.
In context
This wildfire has been burning in Portugal for less than a day. So far it has affected roughly 180 ha (445 acres) — about 1.8 km².
In the Northern Hemisphere, wildfire activity usually peaks during the warm, dry months — roughly May through October.
The bigger picture in Portugal
Across Portugal, roughly 57,663 hectares have burned so far in 2026 — 45% below the two-decade average. Data from Copernicus EFFIS.
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Community reports
Reports from people near the fire · unverified
Not official emergency information. In an emergency, contact fire services/authorities.