On June 17, 2025, Portugal’s National Republican Guard (GNR) initiated nationwide inspections to ensure compliance with mandatory land clearing requirements aimed at preventing wildfires. The inspections followed a deadline that had been set for landowners to clear underbrush near their properties, a deadline that had been extended due to previous rainy weather. GNR officers were actively engaging with property owners to clarify specific regulations. For example, Felizardo, an officer from the GNR’s Environmental Protection Unit in Coruche, highlighted an infraction where grass exceeded prescribed height limits. He pointed out that fuel management within 50 meters around buildings was necessary to meet compliance standards.
For some landowners, the rainy conditions that led to the extension posed logistical challenges. One landowner acknowledged awareness of the cleanup requirement, but explained that heavy rain impeded progress. Her son was supposed to plough the land, but the wet soil made it impossible for the tractor to navigate, leaving the task incomplete. These factors underline the complexities faced by landowners in adhering to regulations, even when fully aware of their obligations.
Compliance with these regulations carries significant financial repercussions, with fines reaching up to €5,000 for individuals and €60,000 for companies that fail to meet the requirements. By the end of April, authorities had already identified over 10,000 properties that potentially did not comply with the land-clearing mandates. This statistic highlights the scale of the challenge facing officials as they attempt to enforce these regulations across the country.
Despite the potential for fines, GNR’s approach is more educational than punitive, focusing on raising awareness among landowners rather than immediate penalties. GNR commander Mateus emphasized the importance of education in their inspections, expressing a desire to prioritize prevention over punishment. The objective is clear: to ensure that land is properly cleared to mitigate the risk of forest fires in 2025.
The urgency of this campaign is underscored by the impending heatwave in Portugal, as all districts were already under a yellow weather warning. Forecasts indicated maximum temperatures could reach between 33 and 40 degrees Celsius in the following days, creating an even greater risk of wildfires. This situation underscores the need for immediate action and compliance from landowners, reinforcing the GNR’s educational focus to prepare them for the challenges posed by the heat.
Overall, the GNR’s inspections represent a critical effort to manage wildfire risks amid changing weather patterns. The combination of education, compliance checks, and the pressing threat of high temperatures illustrates the complexities of wildfire prevention efforts in Portugal. By engaging landowners with a focus on understanding rather than punishment, the GNR aims to foster a culture of responsibility toward land management, ultimately reducing fire hazards and protecting the environment.
