The wave of fires that is mainly affecting the north and centre of Portugal has left at least four dead and 50 injured, including 33 firefighters, according to the Portuguese public newspaper. The Portuguese government decided on Monday to extend the fire alert situation until the end of Thursday.
These fires, which are being fought by more than 4,900 soldiers, 1,500 land assets and 19 air assets, have already devastated 10,000 hectares but could reach another 20,000 if they are not brought under control. The most worrying is the complex of fires affecting the border area between the district of Aveiro and the metropolitan area of Porto, where an emergency plan has been activated due to the seriousness of the situation.
The fight against the flames in Sever do Vouga was supported in the afternoon by two Canadair aircraft sent by Spain as part of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which carried out 20 flights. In addition, it is expected that four other French and Italian air assets will be able to operate from Tuesday afternoon and two Greek aircraft on Wednesday, all thanks to this community tool.
According to the latest figures published by the Portuguese National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, there are 68 fires in progress as of Tuesday, 8 in resolution and 27 in conclusion. The fires have also caused road and railway cuts in different regions of the country and several bus companies have announced the suspension of some of their lines.
In addition, the Portuguese president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, announced this Monday that he would cancel the visit he had planned this week to Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria due to the serious situation of fires affecting Portugal.
