From:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40341180Just what makes Portugal such a tinderbox?
Climate and terrain
Portugal, on Europe's south-western edge, is a warm country fanned by strong winds off the Atlantic.
Scientists say climate change has had an impact, extending the "wildfire season" from two to five months. This year, the summer has got off to a hot start, with temperatures already exceeding 40C in areas, and this comes after a dry, warm spring.====
The bit about "climate change" notwithstanding, sounds similar to the high winds (coming in from the Pacific?) that fan the flames in California...?