Fires in Trás-os-Montes: challenges and new opportunities for olive tourism and local olive oil

M. Araújo
Sep 8
2 min read

The mayors of Trás-os-Montes propose converting forest areas devastated by fires into agricultural land as a way to recover economically and prevent future tragedies. This initiative follows the massive fires of August 2025, which burned thousands of hectares in municipalities in northern Portugal, including Vila Flor, Mirandela, Alfândega da Fé, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Torre de Moncorvo, and Mogadouro. The government visited the region, which had burned 2,337 hectares (612 hectares under cultivation), signaling its openness to measures to encourage land conversion. dnoticias+1

The Fires in 2025

In August 2025, Portugal recorded one of the worst waves of fires of the decade, with 172 thousand hectares burned, strongly affecting Trás-os-Montes. expresso+1
The causes are diverse, including extreme heat conditions, negligence, and cases of arson, leading to the detention of several suspects by the PJ. avozdetrasosmontes+1

Proposal by the Mayors

They argue that converting burned forest land to agricultural land can create natural barriers against new fires and revitalize the local economy with crops such as olive oil, wine, almonds, among others. observador
They are asking the Government for financial incentives and greater municipal autonomy to streamline cleaning, replanting, and grant application processes. rtp+1
They point out that agricultural areas are less vulnerable to fires, especially if maintained under traditional practices. observador

Impact and Relevance

Olive oil producers are among the most affected: destroyed olive trees only return to full production after several years of replanting. observador
By escaping dense forest and promoting traditional cultures, the municipalities hope to make the landscapes more resilient and create an opportunity for sustainable agriculture in the region. rtp+1

These proposals from the mayors and the national discussion on the future use of rural land are crucial for the future of olive oil and agriculture in the north, representing a moment of decision regarding resilience, investment, and local sustainability. dnoticias+2

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