Wildfire near Montalegre (Nov 5), Portugal (2026)

Wildfire near Montalegre (Nov 5) — NASA satellite

Yesterday's image: fire shows in orange and red. NASA MODIS

Key facts

Source: NASA FIRMS

JurisdictionANEPC

The story so far

About 10 km east of Montalegre.

Satellites are picking up an intense heat signature at an active wildfire burning near Montalegre, Portugal, where six heat detections in the past 48 hours point to a spreading front across the local landscape. The incident, which began on November 5, 2026, has reached an estimated size of 150 hectares, or 371 acres, derived roughly from the number of satellite hotspots. A small contingent of 5 personnel from ANEPC has been deployed to address the situation.

This event unfolds during a period outside the region's typical fire season, which usually runs from June to October. Across the country, the broader landscape context shows that 71,688 hectares have burned so far in 2026, tracking 32% below the two-decade average for Portugal.

In context

This wildfire has been burning in Portugal for less than a day. So far it has affected roughly 150 ha (371 acres) — about 1.5 km². That size is an estimate from satellite hotspots, not a measured area.

In the Northern Hemisphere, wildfire activity usually peaks during the warm, dry months — roughly May through October.