Massive forest fires raging in northern Portugal have scorched an estimated 10,000 hectares of forest, prompting the government to request international assistance as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel several fires across the country. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday evening in the municipality of Vozela, Viseu Province, injured at least 9 people, two of whom were in serious condition. According to Portugal’s National Civil Protection Authority, three firefighters suffered minor injuries, while a civilian suffered serious burns. About 1,000 firefighters, supported by about 300 vehicles and eight planes or helicopters, were deployed to fight the fire.
At least 100 firefighters are also battling four other smaller outbreaks.
Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said that Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and bilateral agreements with Spain and Morocco to bring in reinforcements. Agence France-Presse quoted Montenegro as saying, “Not because our capabilities have already been exhausted, but because in the current situation, our entire territory is at very great risk.”
Due to the extremely hot and dry weather, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius in some areas, the Portuguese Meteorological Agency has placed 12 of the country’s 18 mainland regions on red alert, with the highest warning level remaining in place until Saturday and Sunday in about 10 regions. Meanwhile, neighboring Spain is also battling a fast-moving forest fire near the Costa Brava. The fire burned 1,280 hectares (3,160 acres), leading to the evacuation of about 150 people, including about 70 children from a holiday camp. More than 200 firefighters, supported by air resources, are battling the flames, while more than 200 soldiers from the Army Emergency Unit have been deployed. Authorities also arrested a man on suspicion of starting the fire while using a roadside angle grinder.
