LISBON, Aug 3, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Portugal's government on Saturday issued an alert warning of a heatwave with a high risk of fires in large parts of the country in the coming days.

The alert, covering Sunday to Thursday, included a ban on bonfires, fireworks and the use of electrical equipment in forests.

The authorities also restricted access to some woodland areas, announced a boost in staffing for the forest ranger service and increased land and air patrols in high fire-risk areas.

"The next week will be difficult" said Home Affairs Minister Maria Lucia Amaral.

Both Portugal and neighbouring Spain have had to battle wildfires in the recent days, a problem they and other countries face every year.

Experts say climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and fires around the world.

Following the deadly fire season in 2017, Portugal ramped up its spending on wildfire prevention and response.

More than 29,000 hectares (71,600 acres) have already been destroyed by fire since the beginning of the year, according to Portugal's Institute of Forests (ICNF).