Teresa Borges, Diana Andringa, Joana P. Becker, Luísa Sales 

Background

In 2017 Portugal was hit by its greatest tragedy in decades. Within four months, two large forest fires (originated in Pedrógão Grande, on june 17th, and in the central area of the country, on october 15th) leading to the death of 116 people, hundreds of injuried and the destruction of thousands of houses in more than fifty munici-palities.

Due to its tragic consequences, the summer of 2017 will forever remain in the memory of the Portuguese population. However, even though the traumatic events have left a visible mark on the victims, survivors and professionals working in these scenarios, the intense media coverage of the fires had (and continues to have) a determinant role in the mental health of those involved, and in the community in general. Recognizing the possible impact of media coverage of these events on the Portuguese population, we decided to discuss the role of journalistic pieces in the stress reactions, as well as in the recovery process of those affected by the 2017 fires.