LISBON, July 7 (Xinhua) -- The area burned in Portugal has nearly quadrupled compared with the same period last year, as extreme heat and elevated fire danger fueled a surge in rural fires across the country, according to official data released on Monday.
Data from Portugal's Rural Fire Integrated Management System (SGIFR), obtained by Lusa news agency, showed that 4,592 wildfires have been recorded nationwide so far this year, burning 30,155 hectares, more than half of the total burned area recorded between Wednesday and Sunday alone.
Compared with the same period in 2025, the burned area has nearly quadrupled, reaching its highest level for the period since 2017. The number of wildfires has also increased by about 70 percent year on year, marking the highest figure for the period since 2022.
Portugal has been experiencing exceptionally high temperatures since last week, triggering the highest-level red heat warning in several regions.
On Friday, the Portuguese government declared a nationwide state of alert, citing a "significant increase in the risk of rural fires." ■