Sintra Enforces Forest Perimeter Closure and Shuts Monuments Until August 15 Due to Fire Alert
The Sintra Municipal Council has confirmed that exceptional security measures, including the closure of major monuments and a ban on public access to the Serra de Sintra forest, will remain in effect until 11:59 PM on Friday, August 15. This action follows the declaration of a national state of alert by the Portuguese government in response to persistent weather conditions that have created a significantly heightened risk of rural fires across the country. The primary objective of this municipal order is to safeguard human life and protect the region's invaluable natural and cultural heritage.
Under the current directive, access, circulation, and any form of permanence within the designated forest perimeter are strictly prohibited. This has resulted in the temporary closure of some of Portugal's most visited landmarks, including the Parque e Palácio Nacional da Pena, the Convento dos Capuchos, the Parque e Palácio de Monserrate, the Castelo dos Mouros, and the Quinta da Regaleira. The Palácio Nacional de Sintra and the Palácio Nacional de Queluz, located outside the highest-risk zones, will continue to operate normally. The alert status triggers the activation of special surveillance and fiscalization units to monitor the area and restrict any activities, such as agricultural work or outdoor machinery use, that could potentially cause an ignition.
In a public statement, Basílio Horta, the Mayor of Sintra, emphasized the necessity of the measures. "We are facing a period of extreme and adverse weather conditions. The protection of the Serra de Sintra, a world heritage site, is a responsibility we share with the nation and the world. These are not decisions we take lightly, but they are essential for the prevention of catastrophic events." He confirmed that all non-essential forest maintenance and cleaning operations have been suspended, and vigilance has been intensified through a coordinated effort between the GNR, local fire departments, Parques de Sintra management, and the Portuguese Army. This multi-agency partnership ensures a robust and responsive presence throughout the alert period.
The restrictions on movement apply to the general public, including tourists and recreational visitors. However, the municipal order provides exemptions for vehicles and personnel involved in emergency response, members of the Municipal Civil Protection System, and accredited professionals. Furthermore, verified residents of the restricted zones and individuals providing essential care to vulnerable persons within the perimeter are permitted to circulate. "We understand this causes inconvenience, but we are appealing to the civic-mindedness of everyone," a GNR official commented during a press briefing. "The risk is real, and a single moment of carelessness can lead to tragedy. We urge everyone to respect the closures and follow official guidance."
The Serra de Sintra is classified as a region highly sensitive to forest fire risk, a danger compounded by the millions of national and international visitors it receives annually. The local economy, heavily reliant on tourism, feels the immediate impact of such closures. Local business owners, while concerned about the financial repercussions, have expressed general support for the preventative measures. Sofia Martins, who runs a guesthouse in the historic center, noted, "Of course, it affects business, but a fire would be devastating for everyone. Protecting the forest is protecting our future. We must trust the authorities."
The municipal authorities are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide updates as weather conditions evolve. The public is reminded that the protection of Sintra's forest and heritage is a collective duty that depends on the responsible behavior of every individual. In case of any emergency or sighting of a fire, citizens are urged to immediately contact the national emergency number, 112. The current measures underscore a proactive approach to risk management in one of Portugal's most cherished landscapes.
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