The hot weather in Portugal has led to over 50 municipalities being at maximum risk for fires. This has complicated containment efforts and resulted in seven deaths since the weekend. The northern and central regions of mainland Portugal are currently engulfed in flames, with the Aveiro district seeing the largest deployment of firefighting personnel. As of Wednesday morning, more than 1,000 firefighters supported by 320 vehicles were actively working to combat the fires. While fires in Sever do Vouga and Albergaria-a-Velha have begun to ease, over 40 houses have been affected by the flames in Albergaria-a-Velha.
Additionally, around 400 firefighters were working to combat a fire that broke out in Oliveira de Azeméis. Roads in the affected areas remain closed as authorities monitor the spread of the flames. Evacuations have also been underway in Gondomar, where homes in the Branzelo area of Melres are being evacuated due to the fires. More than 170 firefighters with 39 vehicles are currently battling the blaze. Gondomar’s mayor, Marco Martins, mentioned that containing the fires has been challenging due to multiple active fronts spreading across the municipality.
In a show of solidarity, Morocco has sent two aircraft to assist Portuguese forces with combating the forest fires. Additionally, around 230 Spanish firefighters have arrived in Portugal to provide additional support. The European Commission has also deployed eight firefighting planes following Portugal’s request to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Portuguese Sea and Atmosphere Institute (IPMA) reported that more than 50 municipalities across nine mainland districts are currently at maximum risk of fire due to the hot weather.
Meanwhile, the Tábua Town Council has declared three days of municipal mourning for three firefighters from the Vila Nova de Oliveirinha Corporation who lost their lives while combating a fire. Since the weekend, seven lives have been lost due to the fires in Portugal, including four firefighters and three civilians. Over 40 people have been injured, with two sustaining serious injuries. The European Copernicus system reported that over 62,000 hectares have been scorched across mainland Portugal since Sunday, with the north and centre regions bearing the brunt of the destruction.
Due to the severity of the situation, the government has declared a state of emergency in all municipalities affected by the fires in recent days. The response to the crisis has been a coordinated effort involving various international and local firefighting units. The ongoing fires underscore the urgent need for preparedness and action in response to climate change-related disasters. The impact of these fires on communities, wildlife, and the environment highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent and mitigate such disasters in the future.
