Safe Communities Portugal

23/06/2026

Location: Loulé, Ameixial - Besteiros-Ameixial, Loulé,
Occurrence: 20260876378
Registered 10.49 hrs
Type: Bush
Status Active (Signficant occurrence)

More details of the development of this fire can be found in our Situation Reports in our earlier posts since 1300 hrs today.

NOTE: In the video it states that some evacuations have already taken place, HOWEVER at 1730 hrs this evening a report from RTP quoting a source from Civil Protection stating:

"The fire that broke out this Tuesday in the parish of Ameixial, in Loulé, has two active fronts and affects an area of ​​scattered houses and the surroundings of the town, but has not required the evacuation of the population, said a source from the Civil Protection.

"The fire is still active, with great intensity. We still have two fronts progressing in an area of ​​scrubland and pine forest, in an area with many scattered houses, but we have not yet received information that it has been necessary to proceed with evacuations, either of houses or towns," a source from the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command told Lusa".

23/06/2026

INEM REGISTERS SIX THOUSAND MORE CALLS IN JUNE COMPARED TO 2025 DUE TO THE HEAT.

In June, INEM received approximately six thousand more calls than in June 2025, an increase associated with the effects of high temperatures, the worsening of chronic diseases, and acute illness situations.

Data provided to the Lusa news agency by INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency) indicates a "significant increase" in demand for its services in recent weeks, reflected in the increased volume of calls received at the Urgent Patient Guidance Centers (CODU).

Between June 1 and 21, 2026, the CODU received approximately 97,900 calls, an average of over 4,660 contacts per day. In the same period of 2025, the daily average was around 4,377 calls, approximately 287 more per day (+6.5%).

"This trend is consistent with the increase in activity that has been observed since the end of May," the National Institute of Medical Emergency stressed in response to Lusa.

According to INEM (National Institute of Medical Emergency), a significant portion of the incidents are associated with the worsening of chronic diseases and various acute illnesses.

Among the most frequent reasons for contact are respiratory difficulties, worsening of cardiovascular diseases, episodes of dehydration, changes in general condition, syncope, and other clinical situations that can be exacerbated by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

INEM reports that it has recorded an increase in incidents related to the effects of high temperatures, including cases of dehydration and worsening of pre-existing conditions.
“However, the detailed characterization of the clinical severity of the occurrences is under constant monitoring, and at this stage, the overall increase in demand for emergency medical services is more evident,” he argues.

According to the institute, the people most vulnerable to the effects of intense heat continue to be the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, young children, and people with greater exposure to heat for professional or recreational reasons.

He also warned that patients with cardiovascular, respiratory, renal or metabolic diseases require "particular attention" during periods of extreme temperatures.

Although the increased demand is being felt across various regions of the country, INEM notes that "areas that experience a significant seasonal increase in population tend to exert greater pressure on the Integrated Medical Emergency System, particularly the Algarve."

In this regard, it is worth mentioning the Operational Reinforcement Plan for the summer, in effect until the end of September, implemented in the Algarve, which includes strengthening emergency medical resources.

INEM assures that it continuously monitors operational indicators and adjusts available resources to minimize the impact of increased activity and ensure an adequate response to medical emergencies.
The response is coordinated with firefighters, delegations from the Portuguese Red Cross, public hospitals, security forces, and civil protection entities, within the framework of the Integrated Medical Emergency System.

"This coordination allows us to adapt operational devices to identified needs and strengthen response capacity during periods of increased healthcare pressure," he emphasizes.

23/06/2026

RURAL FIRE - LOULÉ, ALGARVE

SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT- N2 still closed both directions at Ameixial as a preventive measure

Earlier 11 aircraft deployed - the highest number in an Algarve fire this year.

Location: Loulé, Ameixial - Besteiros-Ameixial, Loulé,
Occurrence: 20260876378
Registered 10.49 hrs
Type: Bush
Status Active (Signficant occurrence)

UPDATE 1800 hrs

Deployment 256 operatives, 83 vehicles and 7 aircraft

"The fire is still active, with great intensity. We still have two fronts progressing in an area of scrubland and pine forest, in an area with many scattered houses, but we have not yet received information that it has been necessary to proceed with evacuations, either of houses or towns," a source from the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command told Lusa.

The Civil Protection source stated that National Road 2 (EN2) remains closed in both directions to protect the population and allow for faster movement of firefighting resources.

They added that a house next to the road was affected, but that, "although equipped, it is not inhabited," they assured.

"Two rooms burned, but it is thought to have been a spark that entered through the roof, as it burned from the inside out. It was quickly extinguished and was the only dwelling affected by the fire," they guaranteed.

The wind in the area is one of the "constraints" in fighting the fire, along with "the presence of power lines" which prevents the use of aerial resources.

UPDATE 1600 HRS

Deployment 255 operatives, 77 vehicles and 9 aircraft

The preventive evacuation of a care home from the locality was considered. Nevertheless, the institution's technical director revealed to SIC that she opted not to proceed with that measure.

Speaking to Sul Informação, the Algarve Regional Command explained that firefighters are facing difficulties in fighting the flames due to strong winds and long-range embers, factors that have contributed to the spread of the fire.

Speaking to the same media outlet, the president of the Ameixial Parish Council, Abílio Sousa, stated that, for now, there is no need to remove residents from their homes, although he considers the situation to remain "very complicated".

Header photo: Sapo.pt

UPDATE: 1500 hrs

The deployment of ground operatives has increased significantly with 221 operatives , 66 vehicles and 8 aircraft deployed.

The fire, which currently has two active fronts.

According to a source from the Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command, firefighters are facing a scenario with "difficulties caused by the wind and long projections that are hindering the firefighting efforts."

Abílio Sousa, president of the Ameixial Parish Council, stated that there has not yet been a need to evacuate people from their homes, although the situation is "very complicated".

UPDATE 1415 hrs

Deployment 182 operatives 59 vehcles and 11 aircraft

Algarve Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command said, at 1:30 pm,

"The fire is covering a large area because the wind is very strong in the area, with projections [of the fire] reaching 500 meters," he said, emphasizing that although there are houses in the fire's area of intervention, there has not yet been a need to evacuate people.

According to the same source, "there was no report to the regional command of the need to evacuate homes," nor any knowledge that such a measure had been ordered by the commander of operations on the ground, he stressed.

UPDATE: 1330 hrs

148 operatives 41 vehicles and 9 aircraft.

The firefighters responding to the scene are from various fire departments in the Algarve, and the air resources are from both the Algarve and Alentejo regions.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid traveling to the affected area and to respect all instructions from civil protection forces.

SITREP

Deployment 127 operatives, 33 vehicles and 9 aircraft

A fire is currently active in Besteiros, Ameixial parish, in the municipality of Loulé. 92 firefighters with 27 vehicles and 7 aircraft have been mobilized, a source from the Algarve Sub-Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command informed Algarve Primeiro.

The same source added that the fire's intervention area "is next to houses" and that, as a preventive measure, National Road 2, in Besteiros, has been closed to traffic to ensure the safety of people and firefighters. There has been no need for evacuations yet.

Civil Protection reported that the wind "is presenting very strong gusts," causing some debris to be projected, with aerial resources on the ground working alongside ground resources to prevent the fire from spreading.

23/06/2026

CRYPTOCURRENCY SCAMS RESULT OF LOSS OF €140,000 IN CALDAS DA RAINHA

The fraudulent scheme operated through advertisements on social media, using the images of public figures linked to sports.

Two people were defrauded of approximately 140,000 euros through scams related to cryptocurrency investments, the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police) reported on Tuesday, following complaints filed at the Caldas da Rainha police station.

The two complaints, filed on Saturday, refer to situations in which, in the first case, "the victim suffered an estimated loss of around 130,000 euros, while in the second incident the amount reached approximately 8,000 euros," the Public Security Police (PSP) said in a statement.

According to the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police), the victims first came into contact with the fraudulent scheme through advertisements on social media, "in which public figures linked to sports appeared promoting alleged highly profitable investment opportunities."

After expressing interest, the victims were directed to digital platforms where they provided personal data for registration, and were then contacted by phone by people who presented themselves as specialized investment managers, guaranteeing high financial returns and personalized support.

Throughout the process, “they were persuaded to make successive bank transfers to different destination accounts, under the pretext that the funds were being invested in highly profitable crypto-asset investments,” explained the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police).

In some cases, the suspects even went so far as to request remote access to the victims' computer equipment, specifically computers, tablets, or mobile phones, installing applications that allegedly allowed them to monitor the progress of their investments. During this period, "the victims maintained frequent contact with several people of different nationalities, reinforcing the appearance of legitimacy of the operation," the police added in the statement.

The scheme continued as long as the victims continued to invest, however, "when they tried to redeem the alleged profits or recover the amounts invested, they found that this was not possible, realizing then that they had been victims of fraud."

The Leiria District Command of the PSP (Public Security Police) reported that it has been registering an increase in this type of complaint, many of which are associated with the false promise of obtaining high returns in a short period of time, exploiting the growing popularity of crypto assets and the lack of knowledge of many investors about this market.

According to the PSP (Portuguese Public Security Police), many of these scams involve the misuse of images of public figures, celebrities, or financial experts, often through content manipulated using artificial intelligence, making it more difficult to distinguish legitimate information from fraudulent content.

Cryptocurrency scams take many forms and can reach citizens through sponsored ads, social media, emails, instant messaging applications like WhatsApp or Telegram, or through seemingly credible websites.

COMMENT
Be aware of these schemes – especially so called investments being promoted on social media.

Image: Unsplash

23/06/2026

PORTUGAL - MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES WERE RECORDED INLAND REGIONS EXCEEDING 35°C, WHILE THE COAST REMAINED COOL.

Temperatures dropped on June 22nd compared to the previous day, as forecasted due to the approach of the cut-off low, visible in the satellite image (reddish tones).
A day marked by some sahara dust/cloudiness, but also, from early on, the possibility of lines of instability/localized precipitation in the center and south, compatible with the occurrence of storms.
There are thunderstorms off the mainland west coast. On land, thunderstorms will become more likely on Wednesday, in the north and center, locally strong, especially inland.

WHY IS PORTUGAL ESCAPING THE WORSE OF THE HEATWAVE HITING EUROPE?
IPMA’s notices about this episode of hot weather had this remarque “the uncertainty regarding the exact position of the aforementioned cut-off low significantly impacts temperature values, either maintaining high values if it moves further west, or decreasing them if it gets closer to the mainland.”
And it’s the latter that is happening. Temperatures are high but till now still within previously recorded values.

23/06/2026

FRANCE HEATWAVE- JUNE 23rd, FROM NOON ONWARDS, 54 DEPARTMENTS WILL BE UNDER RED LEVEL WARNING.

Meteo-France: "Notable observations: On Monday afternoon, temperatures reached exceptional levels across most of the country, ranging from 39 to 42°C across a large portion of the southwest, and from 34 to 38°C further east. The exceptional nature of the conditions was most pronounced along the western coast, where unprecedented temperatures were recorded, across all months, at major weather stations with long data series."

The heatwave gripping France reached its most intense day since the start of the episode on Monday, June 22nd. Combining high temperatures and a wide geographical area, this heatwave is exceptional. The average temperature recorded places this day among the three hottest ever recorded in France.

Several temperature records were broken on Monday, and these could fall again on Tuesday. Several major cities broke all-time temperature records on Monday:
40.9°C in Angers (Maine-et-Loire);
40.6°C in Rennes (Ille-et-Vilaine);
42°C in Saintes (Charente-Maritime);
41.9°C in Bordeaux (Gironde);
43.3°C in Châteaumeillant (Cher).
The record for the month of June was also broken in Paris, with 38.4°C recorded at the Montsouris Park weather station.

Around twenty drowning deaths have been recorded since the start of the weekend and of the heatwave episode, announced the Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. "We need to cool off, we want to get into the water, but we really must choose the supervised swimming areas," the minister emphasized.

Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk from this extreme heat. In Carpentras (Vaucluse), two children, aged 2 and 4, were found dead Monday in their family car. An investigation has been opened, and the public prosecutor and forensic technicians have gone to the scene. According to initial findings, the children appear to have locked themselves inside the car.
The day before, three elderly people died in their homes in the Gironde department. Aged between 80 and 95, the victims all died in their respective homes, located in the towns of Cenon, Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, and Saint-Jean-d'Illac. "We, the firefighters, are not certain that these deaths are related to the heatwave," stated the captain of the Gironde fire and rescue service. "It's potentially related."

Another consequence of this exceptional heatwave is that the Golfech nuclear power plant in Tarn-et-Garonne was shut down shortly before midnight on Monday due to "environmental constraints" linked to the heatwave. The plant is cooled by the waters of the Garonne River, whose temperature is expected to reach 28°C on Tuesday, the limit set by a 2006 decree-law.

23/06/2026

IMPACTS OF HEATWAVES AND PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE

Parts of Europe are experiencing another heatwave , with Portugal among the countries affected by high and persistent temperatures.

The phenomenon has prompted weather warnings in several regions and once again highlights the increasing frequency of extreme heat events in Europe.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) , a heat wave is considered to occur when, for at least six consecutive days, the daily maximum temperature is at least 5°C higher than the average daily temperature for the reference period.
Impacts of heat waves.

THE IMPACTS
Heat waves have significant impacts on public health, especially among more vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.

Among the main effects are dehydration, worsening of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and episodes of heat exhaustion.

These phenomena are also associated with an increased risk of rural fires, pressure on health services, and impacts on agriculture and ecosystems.

Records from recent decades show a clear trend of increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves in Portugal and Europe. Experts associate this evolution with climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather events and altering temperature patterns. This scenario reinforces the importance of monitoring, prevention, and adaptation of the population to episodes of extreme heat.

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE DURING A HEATWAVE.

The Directorate-General of Health recommends a set of essential preventive measures during episodes of extreme heat:

• Avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 17:00.
• Drink water regularly, even if you're not thirsty.
• Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing.
• Keep environments cool and well-ventilated.
• Reduce physical activity during the hottest hours of the day.
• Protecting children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses.

Supporting isolated individuals or those in vulnerable situations is equally crucial during these periods.

23/06/2026

LAKES AND RESERVOIRS: CALM WATERS DO NOT MEAN THE WATER IS SAFE

☀️ With the rising temperatures, the use of lakes and reservoirs for leisure increases. However, these locations can conceal risks and in most cases, they lack surveillance.

Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) reminds some essential safety recommendations:

✅ Keep an eye on children permanently and keep them under supervision at all times;

✅ Avoid diving into unknown areas. Depth and features of background may vary;

✅ Enter the water gradually. Temperature may be lower than it appears;

✅ Keep away from floodgates, spillways, and other hydraulic infrastructure

✅ Only use authorized and suitable places for bathing;

✅ If you witness a dangerous situation underwater, do not enter. Call for help 112
Adopt safe behaviors and avoid risky situations.

🌊 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗮𝘀 𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗯𝘂𝗳𝗲𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘀: 𝗮́𝗴𝘂𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗮̃𝗼 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗺 𝗮́𝗴𝘂𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘀

☀️ Com a subida das temperaturas, aumenta a procura de lagoas e albufeiras para momentos de lazer. No entanto, estes locais podem esconder riscos e, na maioria dos casos, não dispõem de vigilância.

A Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) recorda alguns cuidados essenciais:

✅ Vigie permanentemente as crianças e mantenha-as sempre sob supervisão;

✅ Evite mergulhos para zonas desconhecidas. A profundidade e as características do fundo podem variar;

✅ Entre na água de forma gradual. A temperatura pode ser mais baixa do que aparenta;

✅ Mantenha-se afastado de comportas, descarregadores e outras infraestruturas hidráulicas;

✅ Utilize apenas locais autorizados e adequados para banhos;

✅ Se testemunhar uma situação de perigo dentro de água, não entre. Peça ajuda através do 112.

Adote comportamentos seguros e evite situações de risco.



📸 LUSA

23/06/2026

RURAL FIRE DANGER AND FIRE WEATHER INDEX FOR TODAY TUESDAY 23RD JUNE 2026

DECREASE IN FIRE DANGER TODAY Around 50% of mainland at VERY HIGH or above. Seventeen municipalities mainly in the north east at MAXIMUM. Minimum humidity in many areas of south and east below 30%. North east below 20% in some municipalities at very low 12%.

Fire prevention restrictions apply. So it’s time to remembering the rules and risks:

🚫Do not start fires or bonfires for recreation, leisure, or cooking.
🚫Do not burn cut or piled brush, or any type of leftover vegetation from logging operations;
🚫Do not smoke or light any type of fire in forest areas and surrounding roads;
🚫Do not use burning and combustion equipment intended for lighting or cooking food.

Full restrictions can be downloaded here.

https://fogos.icnf.pt/SGIF2010/InformacaoPublicaDados/Restrictions_RuralFireRiskIndex.pdf

PROHIBITION of carrying out work using brush cutters, brush trimmers and shredders, where all such equipment has an exhaust without a flame arrestor, cutting equipment such as chainsaws or angle grinders, or the use of mechanical methods which, when in operation, generate sparks or heat.

Burning of cut and piled waste and extensive burns. Between June 1 and October 31, 2026, MANY MUNICIPALITES have imposed BLANKET BANS REGARDLESS OF RISK. THIS SUPERSEDES NORMAL RESTRICTIONS. EXTENSIVE BURNS PROHIBITED.

If in any doubt over these rules, the applicability to your location and situation, or assistance required, then contact 211 389 320 or 808 200 520 or local Camara Municipal.

FIRE WEATHER INDEX (FWI)
SIMILAR FWI compared to yesterday. Most of inland areas of south and eastern parts of the Centre and north east regions at either MAXIMUM (light brown) or EXTREME (Brown). These are areas where if a fire starts it may burn with increased intensity – so be extra vigilant. Remainder of mainland at low to high.

The Fire Weather Index (FWI) is a model-based index used worldwide to estimate fire danger. It indicates intensity of potential fires by combining the rate of fire spread with the amount of fuel being consumed, taking into account temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, drought conditions, fuel availability, vegetation characteristics and topography. ‘Critical’ fires are defined as those covering an area greater than 10,000 ha and are challenging to extinguish until air temperatures fall and precipitation increases. They are typically associated with ‘extreme’ fire danger, which is an FWI of over 50.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Because it indicates the intensity of fires and the rate of spread. The Fire weather index is used for general public information about fire danger conditions, and is an essential tool for firefighters (FWI tab)

TAKE CARE NOT TO START A FIRE
IN CASE OF FIRE CALL 112 IMMEDIATELY

23/06/2026

METEOROLOGICAL FORECASTS, AIR TEMPERATURE, WIND SPEED, PRECIPITATION, SEA CONDITIONS, TUESDAY 23RD JUNE 2026

IPMA YELLOW LEVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING for 8 districts in place, until 1800 hrs today. WARNING: Persistence of high maximum temperature values.

IPMA ORANGE LEVEL HIGH TEMPERATURE WARNING for Guarda, Vila Real and Bragança Districts until 1800 hrs 23rd June then turning to yellow. Persistence of very high maximum temperature values. Monitor here: https://www.ipma.pt/pt/otempo/prev-sam/?p=rain

Possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms, more likely in the Central and Southern regions during the morning and in the North and Central interior during the afternoon. Light to moderate wind (up to 25 km/h) from the east quadrant, sometimes strong (up to 40 km/h) in the highlands, becoming from the south quadrant from the morning and blowing from the west quadrant on the west coast. Mist or fog in some places on the western coastal strip,
possibly extending to the southern coastal strip. Slight increase in maximum temperature.

LISBON METROPOLITAN: Possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms until the early afternoon. Generally light wind, predominantly from the northwest. Possibility of mist or fog formation on the coastal strip. Slight increase in maximum temperature.

PORTO METROPOLITAN: Possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon. Light winds. Possibility of mist or fog formation along the coast. Slight increase in maximum temperature.

SEA CONDITIONS
West Coast: Northwest waves of 1 meter. Sea water temperature: 17/19ºC
South Coast: Southwest waves less than 1 meter.
Sea water temperature: 20/23ºC

https://www.ipma.pt/pt/otempo/prev.significativa/