Portugal Wildfires Map
Wildfire statistics · Portugal
In 2026, 52,257 hectares have burned in Portugal — 50% below the 20-year average. 1 named wildfires are currently active.
Named fires in Portugal
Detailed reports with satellite imagery and data.
See all named fires in Portugal →
About wildfires in Portugal
Portugal faces devastating wildfire seasons, with the country being one of the most fire-affected in Europe relative to its size. The 2017 fire season was catastrophic: the Pedrógão Grande fire killed 66 people in June, and the October fires killed an additional 50, making it the deadliest fire year in Portuguese history.
The country's extensive eucalyptus plantations, hot summers, and rural depopulation create conditions for extreme fire behavior. The central and northern regions, including districts like Leiria, Coimbra, and Castelo Branco, are most frequently affected.
This tracker monitors all fire activity across Portugal's 18 districts in real-time using NASA satellite data.
Portugal wildfire season
Portugal's wildfire season runs from June through October, later than much of Europe, with the greatest danger between July and September. The centre and north — districts such as Leiria, Coimbra, Guarda and Castelo Branco — are hit hardest, where dense eucalyptus and pine cover fuels fast, intense fires.
Hot, dry summers combined with rural depopulation, which leaves land unmanaged, create conditions for extreme fire behaviour. Portugal's civil protection authority (ANEPC) coordinates firefighters and water-bombing aircraft during the season.
Notable wildfires in history
- 2017 Pedrógão Grande Fire
A June firestorm killed 66 people, many trapped in their cars — the deadliest single wildfire in Portuguese history.
- 2022 Serra da Estrela
Fires in the Serra da Estrela natural park burned around 25,000 hectares over several weeks during a record-hot summer.
- 2003 Record Fire Year
Portugal's worst year for area burned saw over 400,000 hectares destroyed during an intense European heat wave.
Main causes & risk factors
- Extensive, highly flammable eucalyptus and pine plantations
- Hot, dry summers and deepening drought
- Rural depopulation that leaves land overgrown and unmanaged
- Human ignitions, including negligence and arson
- Steep terrain and winds that accelerate fire spread
Safety & preparedness
- Call 112 immediately to report smoke or flames
- Never burn scrub or light fires outdoors during the fire season
- Clear vegetation around your home as required by law
- Follow evacuation orders from civil protection without delay
- Stay informed through official fire-risk warnings in summer
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Frequently asked questions
When is wildfire season in Portugal?
From June through October, with the highest danger between July and September, when heat and drought peak.
Why does Portugal have so many wildfires?
Extensive eucalyptus and pine plantations, hot dry summers, and rural depopulation combine to create some of Europe's most intense fire conditions.
What was Portugal's deadliest wildfire?
The 2017 Pedrógão Grande fire killed 66 people, making it the deadliest single wildfire in the country's history.
Where does this map's fire data come from?
Every hotspot comes from NASA's FIRMS system, using VIIRS satellites that detect active fires worldwide and update several times a day.
Is this Portugal wildfire map free?
Yes — it's completely free and needs no sign-up. You can track active fires across Portugal and the world in real time.