Portugal firefighters battling “raging” wildfires
Over 5,000 fighters have been battling against wildfires in Portugal that the country’s Prime Minister said had been “raging across the country.” Louis Montenegro named João Silva, a firefighter who died while fighting against a blaze in Oliveira de Azeméis.
Temperatures across Portugal had exceeded 30C over the weekend and will likely remain high for days. At least two people have died from the flames, local media reported. There is a high risk, according to authorities, breaking out in central and northern parts of the country with the threat remaining “very high” for the rest of the week.
Ten thousand hectares or 37 square miles have already been burned between Porto and Aveiro in the north, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported. There were over ten dozen wildfires reported across the country.
Hospitals in the affected areas, local media reported, have been receiving people with burns, breathing difficulties, and other injuries caused by the fires. Motorways were shut down by police including the main road that connects the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, with Porto.
At least twelve firefighters have been injured with two being seriously injured. Montenegro expressed his “deepest condolences” to the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of João Silva.
The EU has said that it will send firefighting planes to Portugal to help it in tackling the wildfires. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that it would be “urgently mobilising” as other members were urged to send further assistance. The PM also thanked France, Greece, Italy, and Spain for their “rapid and essential help in combating” the fires in a post on X.
Portugal already has 30 water bombers and has deployed over 1,500 fire engines. But authorities sat that the complex situation required additional support. France has agreed to send two water bombers, according to French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin. Officials in Lisbon are expecting two more to arrive from Spain.
“This is EU solidarity at its best,” According to von der Leyen.
Image: Maarten Visser from Capelle aan den IJssel, Nederland
