According to a status update at 8:20 AM, in the Aveiro district, the National Road (EN) 224 is closed in both directions between Arouca and Real, and the EN 225 is closed between Alvarenga/Nespereira and Vila Viçosa-Travanca, also in both directions.

In the statement sent to newsrooms, the GNR adds that in Portalegre, the EN 18 is closed between Vila Velha de Ródão (Castelo Branco district) and Nisa (Portalegre district), also in both directions.

The GNR (National Republican Guard) takes this opportunity to appeal to "everyone's contribution in preventing and fighting fires," asking that people refrain from engaging in activities considered risky, such as setting fires near forested areas, and follow the instructions of authorities on the ground.

They also ask that vehicles be avoided on roads used by emergency vehicles to avoid hindering access to firefighting sites, as well as travel to fire zones if not involved in firefighting.

Much of the northern and central interior of the country is currently at maximum risk of rural fires, according to data from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).

This forecast primarily covers the municipalities of Bragança, Vila Real, Viseu, Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, and Santarém.

According to the IPMA, the maximum risk of rural fires will continue in the coming days in the same regions, worsening in some municipalities in the Algarve.

"Burning and fires are the main causes of fires in Portugal. Burning, burning piles, and bonfires are prohibited whenever a 'very high' or 'maximum' rural fire danger level is observed, and are subject to authorization or prior notification at other times," the GNR (National Republican Guard) notes.