LISBON, Portugal — Northern Portugal is grappling with severe wildfires that have claimed the lives of at least six individuals, including four firefighters, and caused substantial evacuations and damage. Approximately 5,000 firefighters are combating the blazes, which reportedly involve around 100 separate incidents.
These wildfires have stretched local firefighting resources thin and inflicted injuries on over 50 people, according to Civil Protection official André Fernandes. Among the deceased, three firefighters tragically lost their lives in a traffic incident while responding to the fires, though it remains unclear if their vehicle had already caught fire prior to the crash. Civilians have not been spared; one succumbed to burn-related injuries, and another passed away from cardiac arrest. Over this fiery weekend, another firefighter died from an undisclosed illness while on duty.
The Portuguese government has extended a critical fire alert through Thursday, citing no imminent rain and persistent hot, dry conditions. Among preventative measures, there’s a temporary ban on the use of heavy machinery by farmers, aimed at preventing sparks that could ignite further flames.
Portugal’s wildfires coincide with extreme weather elsewhere in Europe, where central regions are facing floods. In light of the impending challenges, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro sought to rally national spirit and readiness. “We are facing difficult hours ahead,” Montenegro stated on Monday night, emphasizing the necessity of unity and preparation.
The fires have severely impacted the district of Aveiro, just south of Porto, as well as other wooded regions across the north. According to national broadcasts, flames have destroyed multiple homes in the Castro de Aire area, leaving behind a landscape marked by ashes and smoke.
European solidarity is evident as neighboring countries step in to assist. Portugal is receiving additional aerial support with water-dropping capabilities from Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, significantly boosting the local efforts.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, confirmed the support on social media, stating, “The EU stands with Portugal as it battles major wildfires. Thanks to France, Greece, Italy, and Spain for their rapid reaction. This is EU solidarity at its best.”
Meanwhile, desperate residents in some areas are resorting to using branches and buckets of water in a frantic effort to protect their homes from the advancing fires.
This event emerges as one of the most severe since the deadly wildfires of 2017, which killed over 120 people and scorched more than half a million hectares across Portugal, underlining the ongoing risks and challenges associated with wildfire management in regions susceptible to such disasters.