Portugal Faces Severe Wildfire Crisis as Thousands of Firefighters Work to Contain Blazes

Portugal is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with over 5,000 firefighters deployed across the country to combat the blazes.

The fires have prompted Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to describe the situation as “raging across the country.”

The wildfires, which have been exacerbated by temperatures exceeding 86°F, have already consumed approximately 37 square miles of land between Porto and Aveiro. As of late Tuesday, 128 active wildfires were reported throughout Portugal, with the risk of further outbreaks remaining very high through Friday.

The fires have resulted in the deaths of at least two people, including one firefighter identified as João Silva, who passed away from a sudden illness while battling the blaze in Oliveira de Azeméis. Additionally, reports indicate that at least 12 firefighters have been injured, two of them seriously.

Local media have reported that hospitals in the affected areas are treating individuals with burns, breathing difficulties, and other injuries related to the fires. The authorities have closed several motorways, including the main route between Lisbon and Porto, to facilitate firefighting efforts and ensure public safety.

In response to the crisis, the European Union is sending eight firefighting planes to support Portugal’s efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s solidarity and thanked France, Greece, Italy, and Spain for their assistance. Portugal’s own resources include 30 water bombers and over 1,500 fire engines, but the complexity of the situation has necessitated additional support.

The Portuguese Civil Protection Authority has reported that several fires in the Aveiro region forced about 70 residents to evacuate. The situation remains dire, with ongoing efforts to control the blazes, especially in the district of Aveiro, where the fires have destroyed homes and threatened more.

Prime Minister Montenegro has extended the red alert for extreme weather conditions and warned that the country will face challenging days ahead. Authorities have also imposed a ban on the use of heavy machinery in agriculture to prevent further sparks that could ignite additional fires.

The current wildfire crisis follows a wet start to the year, which had previously resulted in fewer fires compared to last year. However, the persistent heat and dry conditions have heightened the risk of wildfires. Climate change is believed to be a significant factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.

BBC, the Guardian, the Associated Press contributed to this report.