On Tuesday, Portugal experienced a tragic escalation in its ongoing battle against wildfires, with three firefighters losing their lives while tackling blazes in the central and northern regions. This recent loss raises the total death toll from the fires to seven since Saturday, highlighting the severity of the situation. The fires have been widespread, with over 50 active blazes reported across the mainland, prompting Portugal to mobilize approximately 5,300 firefighters and seek assistance from the European Union.
The situation has led to significant disruptions in transportation and infrastructure. Several motorways have been closed, including a major highway connecting Lisbon and Porto, and train services have been suspended on two key lines in northern Portugal. The closures and service interruptions reflect the broader impact of the fires on the daily life and economy of the affected areas.
Portugal’s Wildfires Claim Three More Firefighters Lives Amid Escalating Crisis and EU Assistance
In the town of Nelas, approximately 300 kilometers northeast of Lisbon, three firefighters from the Vila Nova de Oliveirinha brigade died while combating the flames. The fires have also led to widespread damage, particularly in the Aveiro district, where four additional deaths have been reported. The blazes in this region have destroyed numerous homes and burned through over 10,000 hectares of forest, with projections indicating potential further devastation.
Despite fewer fires compared to previous years due to a rainy start to the year, Portugal and its neighbor Spain remain highly vulnerable to fires exacerbated by global warming. Recent weather conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30°C and strong winds, have created a dangerous environment conducive to the rapid spread of fires. The meteorology agency described the recent conditions as some of the worst ever faced in Portugal, with very high fire risk factors including strong winds and low humidity.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Portuguese government has sought help from the European Commission through the EU civil protection mechanism. As a result, Spain, Italy, and Greece have each contributed two water-bombing aircraft to assist in the firefighting efforts. While there is hope for improvement with potential showers forecasted for Thursday, the situation remains perilous and the risk of further fires persists.
