It's summer, it's hot, dry and windy = wildfires for sure! Every year, it's always the same scenario: hectares and hectares of burned area, species of fauna and flora lost, material goods destroyed, human lives in danger. Climate change has been a key factor in increasing the risk and magnitude of fires, but studies show that over 90% of forest fires in Portugal are caused by human activities – and many of them can be prevented. And this is literally in each one's hands.

At Living Tours, we promote and encourage the adoption of responsible behavior among our work teams, reinforcing the need to raise awareness among tourists who visit us and travel with us on a daily basis.

Here we share with you some of our tips for preventing forest fires. Start by following this simple “do not do” list:

Smoking near forests and green areas
Thrown cigarettes can set fires. Whenever you smoke, make sure it is completely extinguished and put it in an ashtray or butt holder, never on the ground! Throwing it into the street gutter is no solution either: it could be clogged with dry vegetation, flammable debris or any combustible material. What’s more, the water in the gutter may not be enough to completely extinguish the lit cigarette butt. Remember: smoking is prohibited in natural areas

Leaving garbage on the ground
Keep the area clean and do not leave trash on the ground, especially plastic and glass, because once in the sun, the magnifying effect can cause fires. If there are no containers nearby, save it for later disposal.

Playing with fire
Don’t use a lighter or matches near areas or materials that can easily burn. Warn guests about the dangers of any activity involving fire such as launching paper balloons with a lit sparkler or lighting small birthday firecrackers just for the photo.

Parking anywhere anyway
Choose places to park where the vehicle is not in direct contact with dry vegetation . Contact with heat from the exhaust pipe or a possible oil or fuel leak is enough to start a fire. Do not impede the movement of any type of firefighting vehicle and, whenever possible, park the vehicle with the front facing the exit point.

So, what to do?

Prepare your itinerary
Check the fire risk of the places you will visit during the tour on the website of the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and follow the local rules and recommendations regarding fire prevention. Respect these rules throughout your visit. Keep up to date with local emergency phone numbers, such as fire and rescue services.

Be alert and vigilant
If you detect a fire, a bonfire, call 117 (Emergency Number for Forest Fires), 112 or the nearest Fire Department to report it immediately – your warning may be crucial to extinguish the risk.

Pay extra attention when doing the vehicle safety check-up especially when it comes to oil and fuel leaks. Check the fire extinguisher and review the instructions for use.

Alert guests to the dangers of fire and reinforce the precautions to be taken, especially in bush and forest areas.

• Remember the European emergency contact – 112 , a free number throughout the European Union, by landline or cell phone, available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day, even from mobile phones without a SIM card and without network coverage from the operator (any operator with a network is automatically used);
• Advise guests to always carry identification documents, any medication and a cell phone with a charged battery, so that in the event of an emergency or evacuation, they are easier to locate;
• When selling/confirming the booking of tours and experiences, always recommend the use of comfortable clothing and footwear. In emergency situations, freedom of movement is essential;
• When organizing tailor-made activities/services in natural areas, find out from the management entities about the local rules and regulations related to the prevention of forest fires and pass them on to customers . The National Tourism Board - Turismo de Portugal, for example, provides on its website recommendations for preventing rural fires, codes of conduct and self-safety measures, divided into three types: “ Cycling and Walking Routes , Festivals of Music and Campsites”. The information is prepared not only for companies and management entities, but also for tourists and infrastructure users. Click here to access the documents.

It is increasingly important to raise awareness of the importance of adopting responsible behavior. Remember that today's guest is on a city tour, tomorrow he could be strolling through a Natural Park.

Fires are a serious matter, causing loss of life even for professionals trained to fight them. No vacation experience is worth the loss of life.

In addition to these simple tips, follow the recommendations of the Civil Protection Entity for safety and prevention of rural fires. Find out more in our blog article Sustainability/ How to Prevent and Protect Against Forest Fires.

Be prepared and protect yourself from fires. For you, for everyone!