According to the European Forest Fire Information System (JRC-EFFIS), the fire risk on 20-21 August is expected to be from very high to extreme danger.

The risk for forest fires in Portugal is expected to increase significantly in the upcoming days, according to the National Meteorological Authority. 

Due to forecasts of very low levels of humidity and very high temperatures, the Portuguese government has issued an alert declaration for 21-24 August. 8 out of 18 districts are set on orange alert, while 7 additional districts will be on red alert level as from tomorrow.

On 19 August, Portugal activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism requesting two aerial firefighting modules to be prepositioned during 21-25 August in the Military Base of Monte Real. In response, the ERCC has mobilised ECPP aerial firefighting means (two Canadair planes) from Greece.

The planes departed today at 10:15 UTC and are scheduled to arrive in Portugal tomorrow 21 August (arrival time TBC).

The ERCC is in contact with other Member States checking availability of their AFF fleet.