Wildfire near Santa Cruz
Satellite image: NASA MODIS (infrared — active fire in orange/red, from yesterday).
Heat detections: NASA FIRMS (last 48h).
Quick facts
- Personnel
- 67
- Jurisdiction
- ANEPC
Satellites are picking up an intense heat signature at the active wildfire burning near Santa Cruz, Portugal, where 23 heat detections over the past 48 hours trace the spread of the front across the landscape. The blaze, which covers 100 hectares (247 acres), began on August 16, 2026, and is currently being tackled by 65 personnel coordinated by the ANEPC.
This incident unfolds during the region's typical fire season, which runs from June to October. Despite this active event, the broader national picture remains below historical norms, with 52,257 hectares burned across the country so far in 2026, marking a 50% decrease compared to the two-decade average.
In context
This wildfire has been burning in Portugal for less than a day. So far it has affected roughly 100 ha (247 acres) — about 1.0 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 52,257 hectares have burned so far in 2026 — 50% 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.