The Foreign Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to travellers in Portugal after a ‘significant number’ of forest fires broke out in northern and central parts of the country.

It warns the Portuguese Government has declared a state of alert until 11:59pm tomorrow (19 September).

The FCDO added: “Access to forests and activities in rural areas may be restricted. Roads may be closed due to smoke and ash.

“The situation is fast-moving and could change rapidly. Keep up-to-date with developments and follow the advice of the Civil Protection Authority.”

The fires have been ablaze since the weekend and the BBC reports more than 5,000 firefighters are tackling more than 100 wildfires, with Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro stating they are “raging across the country”.

Authorities have also shut a stretch of the motorway linking Lisbon and Porto.

At least seven people are believed to have died from the fires, including three firefighters.

Photo is a stock image of fires in Portugal