Fires are raging in Portugal. At least seven people have died in forest and wasteland fires that have been ravaging the country since Sunday. Three firefighters are among those killed.
More than 50 fires are raging in Portugal, with some 5,300 firefighters battling the blaze. Authorities have closed several highways, including a section of the main highway connecting Lisbon with Porto. Rail services in the northern part of the country have also been suspended.
Firefighters were among the dead
As reported by the government of Luis Montenegro, on Tuesday afternoon in the town of Nelas, in the Viseu district in the north of the country, three firefighters died in a forest complex fire, whose vehicle was engulfed in flames. This brings the death toll to seven. The prime minister, conveying his condolences to the families of the firefighters killed in the fire, announced that an extraordinary government meeting would be held on Tuesday evening to take action to effectively combat the fire and support those affected by the disaster. According to the Portuguese medical services, by Tuesday afternoon, nearly 50 people had been injured in the fires, including 33 firefighters.
Fires in Portugal Reuters
Fighting against cataclysm
The Portuguese Firefighters League has called on the government to increase support for firefighting units and has also appealed to citizens to join the fight against the disaster as volunteers.
Other countries have also become involved in the extinguishing effort. A dozen or so firefighting planes have already joined the fight against the element, sent to the country by Spain, Italy and France.
Fighting the fire is being made difficult by strong winds and high temperatures, exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.
Fires in Portugal PAP/EPA/JOSE COELHO
Main image source: PAP/EPA/JOSE COELHO