Luís Montenegro expressed solidarity with the population affected by the fires that have been raging across the country for over a week and also expressed his gratitude to all security forces, civil protection, and firefighters who have participated in fighting the fires throughout the heat wave that has affected the country.

"(...) Considering the weather forecast for the coming days, the Government decided today to extend the alert status for another 48 hours, which was supposed to end on Wednesday at 11:59 PM, and will therefore continue until 11:59 PM on Friday, the 15th," the Prime Minister said in Faro.

Luís Montenegro explained that, with this decision, authorities can strengthen operational measures and exercise greater oversight and surveillance, as well as impose restrictions on access to forest areas or prohibit field work or the use of machinery.

The government leader appealed for the public's understanding and cooperation to minimise ignitions and prevent new fires from starting, emphasising that the alert status has allowed for a "reduction in risks," given a weather situation that will remain "severe" until at least Friday.

"We hope that, once this period is over, we can alleviate these constraints and resume our daily lives, leaving behind the images that have unfortunately marked the last few days," he said, referring to the fires that have ravaged the country during this period of dry and hot weather.

The Prime Minister lamented the "tragedies" experienced by many citizens who have been affected by episodes of "extreme violence in terms of forest fires," despite the government having "attempted with multiple policies and initiatives to lessen their impact."

Luís Montenegro expressed his solidarity with all those who "most directly suffered the effects of the flames" and his "support" in "overcoming and overcoming" the difficulties they face.

The head of the executive branch also emphasized the government's "immense recognition" of the work carried out by firefighters, civil protection agents, security forces, and the Armed Forces in fighting the fires, as well as the work of municipal and parish councillors, volunteers, and associations.

"It has been an enormous, collective effort that has, in some way, mitigated the effects of what is often an absolutely unequal fight," he acknowledged, thanking everyone involved in fighting the fires for their commitment.