Following the rise of heatwave temperatures across the country of Portugal last weekend into this week, wildfires within the country have begun to spread south towards the Algarve region.
On Monday the 7th of August, Portugal reported the highest temperatures of the year so far as the heatwave across Europe continues to affect many countries. A wildfire began shortly after these reported heights and has been progressing towards the south Algarve region, according to reports.
The evacuation process has already begun in several parts of the country that are affected. This includes areas south of Odemira and inland from the western Atlantic coast. The temperature in these areas has reached a high of 46C, centred in the town of Santarem near Lisbon.
The wildfire reportedly started on Saturday the 5th of August near Odemira and has been fanned south towards Algarve by strong winds, an area strongly recognised as one of Portugal’s biggest tourist centres.
Villages, tourist accommodations, and campsites have been evacuated and the main A1 motorway between Lisbon and Porto has been closed due to the fires.
Tourists are strongly advised to stay away from these areas if they already plan to travel to Portugal. Flights to Lisbon and Faro are so far unaffected by the fires and travellers should keep updated on the Foreign Travel Advice page for further updates.
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