The forest fires raging in various parts of Portugal in August should be the reason for refusing to buy tours and holidays there in this country. If all-round national forces were involved in the fight against the flames, then tourists in local resorts will not have a vacation, according to experts in the Portuguese media.
To date, it is known that almost all coastal countries of Europe have experienced forest fires this summer season, and July has become the hottest in the region in the entire history of meteorological observations. The fire also reached Portugal. Three fires broke out there last week, one of which is considered the largest in the resort town of Odemira. Last weekend, the fire spread from there to Alcanforadoin and Faro. As a result of the rescue operation, 1,400 people, including tourists, were evacuated from the region. Nearly 1,000 specialists, 320 vehicles, and 9 aircraft were involved in the fire-fighting efforts — the flames covered a total of 7,000 hectares.
“Two critical points are maintained: one in the north, in the area of Defeira, which is of great concern, and also in the south, in Monchique,” explained Alentejo regional emergency and civil protection commander Jose Ribeiro.
As experts noted, forest fires in Portugal and Europe started due to extreme weather conditions, and smoke and fire can be seen even from space.
Here are some data on which countries, located in the southern part of Europe and northern Africa, are now dangerous to rest due to the threat of large forest fires:
- Portugal’s peninsular neighbor Spain is also struggling with wildfires but is managing to better manage the threat. However, the risk of danger is great.
- Greece. A forest fire on the islands of Rhodes led to tragic consequences: two people died, and parts of the islands were completely burned. The country experienced the evacuation of thousands of residents and the early sending of tourists home to save their lives.
- Italy. A forest fire in Sicily has killed three people and forced the evacuation of thousands. The fire also caused the temporary closure of Palermo airport due to smoke.
- France. Forest fires also broke out near Nice airport, affecting three villages.
- Croatia was also affected by forest fires.
- Algeria and Tunisia. North African countries are also on fire. It is known that 40 people died as a result of the fire. As you can see, the problem of forest fires has gone beyond Europe.
After analyzing the data, experts recommended tourists not buy tours from the regions affected by the fire. However, those who still want to take the risk and go there, they advised to buy travel insurance, which will protect against unforeseen expenses related to fires and natural disasters. It will also provide a refund for emergency medical care, cancellation of a reservation, or loss of belongings.