Live satellite hotspots · source: NASA FIRMS
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Mainland Portugal is one of the most wildfire-prone countries in Europe, a legacy of dense eucalyptus and pine plantations, hilly terrain and a long dry summer. The Centro region around Coimbra, Leiria and the Serra da Estrela has historically seen the country's most severe and fastest-moving fires, but the Algarve's hinterland behind Faro, Albufeira and Lagos, the vast cork-oak forests of the Alentejo, and the north around Peneda-Gerês and the Douro valley all see significant fire activity most summers as well.
This map tracks mainland Portugal using NASA FIRMS satellite hotspots verified against the Copernicus EFFIS system, so tourists near the Algarve coast, in Lisbon's surrounding pine forests, or touring the north can quickly check for nearby activity. Search for a town or region to centre the map, and switch on distance-based alerts if you are staying somewhere with wooded surroundings.
Hotspots come from the VIIRS instruments on NASA FIRMS satellites (NOAA-20, NOAA-21 and Suomi NPP) and are cross-checked against Copernicus EFFIS. A hotspot is a heat detection, not a confirmed fire: industrial sites, solar farms and permanent burners are filtered out automatically.
The Algarve
Behind the beach resorts of Faro, Albufeira, Lagos and Portimão lie the wooded hills of the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão. Fires typically start inland and can move towards the coast on a northerly wind, so it is worth checking the hinterland specifically rather than just the resort itself.
Centro and the Serra da Estrela
The area around Coimbra, Leiria, Pedrógão Grande and the Serra da Estrela national park is the most fire-affected part of Portugal, with steep slopes covered in eucalyptus and pine plantation that carry fire quickly uphill.
The Alentejo and the north
The Alentejo's cork-oak and pine forests between Beja, Évora and the coast near Odemira are sparsely populated, so satellite detections are often the first visible sign of a fire. In the north, Peneda-Gerês national park and the Douro valley above Porto see the highest concentration of hotspots each summer.
Is there a wildfire in Portugal right now?
The map shows the latest satellite hotspots across mainland Portugal from roughly the last 18 hours, verified against the EFFIS system. If there are no markers near your destination, no significant fire has been detected recently there. Press Live refresh to pull the newest satellite pass immediately.
When is wildfire season worst in Portugal?
The main season runs from June to September, with the Centro region and the Algarve hinterland typically at highest risk during July and August heatwaves. Some years bring a second, smaller risk period in early autumn if the summer drought persists.
What should I do if a fire is near my campsite in Portugal?
Follow the instructions of campsite staff or the Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) without delay, since evacuations here can be issued at short notice. Call 112, note your exact location and nearby landmarks, and avoid driving towards visible smoke.
Are campfires and barbecues allowed in Portugal in summer?
Open fires, barbecues and even some outdoor smoking are banned across most of rural Portugal during the official fire risk period, typically from mid-June to the end of September. Restrictions are strictly enforced with fines, so always check with your accommodation or the ICNF before lighting anything outdoors.
What is the emergency number for fires in Portugal?
Dial 112 for any emergency in Portugal, including wildfires, which connects you to the ANEPC-coordinated response. SOS Floresta, reachable on 117, is a volunteer network specifically focused on early wildfire detection and reporting and complements the main emergency line.
How current is this map of Portuguese wildfires?
Satellite data refreshes automatically every hour, with passes over Portugal roughly twice a day, cross-checked against EFFIS confirmations. The exact refresh time is shown at the top of the map, and Live refresh fetches the newest available detections on request.
How do I see if a wildfire is close to my campsite or holiday address in Portugal?
Use the location finder on this map: type your destination, village or campsite name, or tap "Use my location". The map instantly shows the distance in kilometres to the nearest active hotspot, and you can switch on alerts for fires within 5 to 100 km. Every search gets its own link, so you can share the situation around your own address with family or fellow travellers.