LISBON, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Portuguese government has extended the national alert status until Aug. 13, due to the intensifying wildfire risk driven by extreme heat and deteriorating weather conditions.

The decision, announced by Interior Minister Maria Lucia Amaral after a government meeting on Thursday, follows a significant spike in wildfire activity in recent weeks.

Initially declared on Aug. 2, the alert was set to expire on Thursday, but the government opted for a one-week extension.

Amaral noted that the alert status and related restrictions have already helped reduce the number of ignition points of fire outbreaks.

However, weather conditions are forecast to worsen, with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) predicting maximum temperatures between 30 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius across most of mainland Portugal and highs of up to 43 degrees Celsius in parts of the southern interior and the Tejo and Douro river valleys, between Aug. 9 and 11.

The extension of the alert includes continued bans on agricultural and recreational activities in rural areas, such as access to and movement within forested zones, as well as the prohibition of bonfires, machinery use, and fireworks. All permits for such activities during the alert period remain suspended.

The alert comes amid what has become Portugal's worst wildfire season since 2022. According to the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (SGIFR), forest fires have consumed nearly 42,000 hectares in Portugal this year, eight times more than in the same period in 2024, making it the worst fire season since 2022.

Statistics from SGIFR indicate that since Jan. 1, there have been 5,211 recorded fires that burned a total of 41,644 hectares.

In response to the worsening situation, Amaral confirmed that the government is considering tougher penalties for fire-related crimes. These will be reflected in the 2025-2027 national criminal policy framework, emphasizing the serious community damage caused by forest fires and the priority these cases should receive in criminal investigations.

This aligns with a pledge made by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in September 2024, following a wave of wildfires in central Portugal, to adopt a zero-tolerance stance toward arsonists.

SGIFR reported that 14 percent of the fires recorded between Jan. 1 and Jul. 30 were of criminal origin, accounting for 4 percent of the total burned area. An additional 21 percent were caused by improper use of fire, including land-clearing burns, fireworks, trash burning, or discarded cigarettes.

While the European Commission has reminded member states of the availability of European Union-positioned firefighting resources, Amaral said that Portugal views international aid as a last resort, particularly given that other European countries are also struggling with fires.

On the domestic front, Amaral noted that Portugal currently has 72 firefighting aircraft operational, with coordination between the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, the Air Force, and the Ministry of Defense.

The government has also authorized the purchase of two firefighting kits for C-130 aircraft, as confirmed by Defense Minister Nuno Melo.

Additionally, the government is reviving the 2025-2050 Forest Intervention Plan, initially presented in March.

The plan, developed after consultations with public and private stakeholders, outlines 61 short-term actions for 2025 and 88 medium-term initiatives from 2028 to 2050, including the creation of a general and permanent support mechanism for communities affected by major fires.

The human toll of this year's fire season is also mounting. According to the Portuguese Firefighters League (LPB), one firefighter has died, and 148 have been injured while on duty in 2025 so far.

The National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection reported on its website that, as of Thursday night, 66 wildfires remained active across Portugal. A total of 2,839 firefighters, 900 vehicles, and 11 aircraft were deployed to combat the flames. ■