“Due to this situation of significant improvement as of Wednesday in weather conditions, we understood that it was possible to alleviate the restrictions associated with the danger of rural fires and we decided, therefore, not to extend the alert situation beyond midnight [Tuesday]”, said minister José Luís Carneiro at a press conference.

The official was speaking at the headquarters of the National Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), where he justified the decision with a return from Wednesday to a “regular summer scenario, despite the known situation of severe and extreme drought”.

Even so, he underlined that “the situation continues to require special care” so the ANEPC will keep the country on orange alert in 16 districts on Tuesday and in five districts on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the orange alert will focus “very particularly on the northern and central districts” of the country.