Are wildfires in Portugal becoming more commonplace?

As we’re experiencing higher summer temperatures, many regions worldwide have seen a surge in the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters and Portugal is no exception.

In recent years, the emergence of intense wildfires has prompted discussions about whether they are becoming more commonplace. This article examines the phenomenon of wildfires in Portugal, delves into the contributory factors and considers implications for the future.

Historical context of wildfires in Portugal

Wildfires have affected Portugal for centuries, chiefly during the dry summer months. However, the scale and severity of these fires have seen a marked increase over recent years. According to statistics from the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), the country experienced over 3,000 wildfires in 2022 alone, devastating thousands of hectares of forest land, agricultural territories and threatening many rural communities.

In 2024, Portugal experienced a severe wildfire season, with over 100 wildfires occurring in September alone, primarily in the northern and central regions. These fires resulted in the destruction of thousands of hectares of land, with some reports indicating over 147,000 hectares affected. The fires were particularly intense during a week in mid-September, with over 110,000 hectares burned in a single week. The situation led to a state of calamity being declared in the hardest-hit areas and saw the deployment of thousands of firefighters, many coming from abroad.

One of the most catastrophic events occurred in June 2017, when wildfires in central Portugal claimed the lives of over 60 people in the Pedrogão Grande region. The tragedy served as a wake-up call, emphasising the urgency of addressing and mitigating wildfire risks in the country.

Understanding the rising trend

One of the primary drivers of the increase in wildfires is the warming of the global climate. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has linked rising global temperatures to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including droughts and heatwaves. In Portugal, average temperatures have risen by about 1°C since the 20th century, contributing to drier conditions and extended periods without rain. This makes forests and vegetation far more susceptible to ignition.

Another aspect is the impact of changing precipitation patterns. Climate models predict that southern Europe, including Portugal, will face more prolonged dry spells followed by intense rainfall which can lead to the rapid growth of vegetation followed by tinder dry conditions. This cycle can create a favorable environment for wildfires by producing a greater fuel load which eventually feeds the fires.

Land management practices

Land management practices have also contributed to the increasing number of wildfires. Following a period of agricultural decline, many rural areas in Portugal have seen a resurgence of wild scrubland filled with dense vegetation in the abandoned fields. These unmanaged areas significantly increase the fuel load available for wildfires.

Moreover, historical mismanagement, such as insufficient clearing of undergrowth and dead vegetation or failure to properly maintain firebreaks, has exacerbated conditions conducive to wildfires. The transition from agriculture to forest, combined with inadequate land management, contributes to more intense wildfire events.

Urbanisation and infrastructure development

Portugal has also witnessed significant urbanisation over the past few decades. As populations migrate towards urban areas, rural regions have often been neglected. However, many urban developments are situated near forests, creating a dangerous interface between human habitation and natural landscapes which have become ripe for wildfires.

The exposure of houses and infrastructure to wildfire risk has also increased due to expansion into at-risk areas, leading to properties and lives lost during wildfire events. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure for firefighting, especially in remote areas, can slow response times and increase fire spread.

Socioeconomic factors

The socioeconomic structure of Portugal further complicates wildfire management. Many rural areas face economic challenges, such as low agricultural productivity and limited job opportunities which hinder effective land management practices. Some residents may lack the financial resources to invest in preventive measures or to adapt to the changing climate, making them more vulnerable to the impacts of wildfires.

Wildfires also result in economic loss, turning into a vicious cycle where losses from prior wildfires impede future investments in land management and fire prevention.

The environmental impact

The rise in wildfire incidence has severe environmental implications. Forests in Portugal are crucial for biodiversity and carbon capture. Recurring wildfires can lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and severe soil degradation. The 2017 wildfires alone led to the destruction of extensive tracts of habitat for many native species.

Moreover, the smoke from wildfires contributes to air pollution, posing health risks particularly for vulnerable populations including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The ecosystem disturbances can also contribute to diminished water quality and availability affecting both wildlife and human populations.

Mitigation strategies

Recognising the increasing threat of wildfires, Portugal has implemented various strategies to combat their occurrence and mitigate their effects:

1. Forest management and fire prevention:This includes controlled burnings and the clearing of vegetation to reduce fuel loads. The government's PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) allocates funds for reforestation and sustainable land management practices.

2. Community Engagement: Preparing local communities to deal with fire risks and getting people involved in management practices is crucial. Community-led initiatives have proven effective in creating fire-sensitive cultures and practice within at-risk areas.

3. Infrastructure Investment: Improving firefighting infrastructure and technology is essential for quick responses during wildfire outbreaks. This includes aerial firefighting resources, better road access to remote areas and the establishment of trained firefighting teams.

4. Climate action: Although difficult, given the scale of the problem, governments around the world promote the narrative that all nations need to attempt to address the root causes of the warming climate. National policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions are believed to be a way to provide possible long-term benefits, in an attempt to mitigate wildfire risks as well as addressing some other climate concerns. It seems that this problem falls beyond the remit of mere politicians and the whole matter may be something that all of us, as individuals, need to think more about?

Looking to the future

While wildfires have long been a part of life in rural Portugal, the increasing frequency and intensity of these events raise significant concerns. A convergence of factors, including hotter and longer summers, socio-economic challenges, changes in land management practices and urbanisation have all conspired to make wildfires more commonplace.

Comprehensive strategies that focus on climate resilience, community involvement, effective land management and investment in firefighting resources are paramount in combating this growing threat. Failure to address the compounding impacts of longer, hotter and consequently drier summers alongside inadequate vegetation management can lead Portugal down a path of having to deal with increasingly devastating wildfires. This not only impacts the environment but also adversely affects human lives and livelihoods as well.

The fight against wildfires is not just about combating flames but it's also about fostering a sustainable and resilient future.