Wildfires in northern Portugal overwhelm emergency response

As reported by AP News, Portugal has declared a state of calamity in response to a surge of more than 100 wildfires that have ravaged the northern regions of the country.

The fires have stretched firefighting efforts to their limits, resulting in seven fatalities since the weekend.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced the state of calamity late on Tuesday.

This declaration allows the government to mobilise additional firefighters, civil servants, and resources.

In a televised address, Montenegro said: “We are well aware that these difficult hours are not over yet.

“We have to continue to give everything we have and ask for help from our partners and friends so that we can reinforce the protection of our people and property.”

Authorities are investigating the causes of the fires, which have scorched over 15,000 hectares and exposed 210,000 people to danger.

International support arrives as fires rage on

In response to Portugal’s request for assistance, neighbouring Spain and several European Union countries have sent reinforcements.

Spain’s military deployed 240 soldiers and vehicles, while water-dumping planes from France, Italy, and Spain have been mobilised.

Morocco has also contributed two aircraft to help combat the fires.

The European Union highlighted the extreme weather events across the continent as evidence of a “climate breakdown.” While northern Portugal is battling wildfires, central Europe is facing severe flooding.

Portuguese Civil Protection official André Fernandes said: “The thick smoke produced by most of these fires is making it very difficult for air units to operate.” The risk of further fires remains high for at least the next 48 hours.

Smoke and fire impact neighbouring countries

Smoke from the wildfires has travelled beyond Portugal, affecting areas as far as 85 kilometres across the border into northwest Spain.

Residents in several regions reported thick grey smoke and the smell of burnt wood, while some major fires remain uncontrolled, especially in the Aveiro district, south of Porto.

RTP, the Portuguese state broadcaster, has shown footage of local residents in rural areas attempting to battle the flames with buckets, hoses, and tree branches.

These fires have destroyed homes and rural villages, although no official figures for property damage have been released.

Fatalities and investigations into the causes

Civil protection authorities confirmed that three firefighters lost their lives on Tuesday when their vehicle became trapped.

Another firefighter died from a sudden illness over the weekend, and three civilians have also perished in the fires.

Additionally, 10 people sustained serious injuries, and another 49 were treated for minor injuries.

The Portuguese government has prohibited the use of heavy farming equipment to prevent further accidental fires.

Prime Minister Montenegro has also urged law enforcement to investigate arsonists and negligent actions that may have caused the fires.

Police have already arrested seven men in connection with recent fires.

Experts are linking these wildfires to climate change and the abandonment of traditional farming and forestry methods, which once helped maintain the rural landscape and reduce fire risks.

Portugal declares state of calamity as wildfires stretch emergency services: summary

Portugal has declared a state of calamity following a series of wildfires that have devastated northern regions, resulting in seven deaths and large-scale destruction.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced the state of calamity, mobilising additional firefighters and civil servants.

Over 15,000 hectares have been burned, and the fires have exposed 210,000 people to danger.

International support has arrived from Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco, providing personnel and water-dumping planes.

Authorities are investigating potential arson and negligence, with seven arrests made.

Fires are linked to climate change and rural land management issues.