Portugal declares State of Calamity from severe forest fires - three firefighters have died

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 19:

Over 100 wildfires have overwhelmed firefighters in northern Portugal, with seven people losing their lives since the fires spiralled out of control over the weekend. 

Over 15,000 hectares of land have been scorched, with 210,000 people at risk, EuroNews reports. 

7 people had died as of Thursday, with three of them being firefighters. 

Portugal has received aid from Spain, France, Italy, and Morocco, including water bomber planes and emergency personnel.

On Tuesday, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared a state of calamity in the most affected areas, granting authorities the power to mobilize additional firefighters and civil servants, NPR News reports. 

Montenegro urged police to intensify investigations into the origins of the fires and vowed support for those displaced or who have lost their homes. 

The European Copernicus satellite service reported that over 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) were scorched, with 13 kilometers (8 miles) of fire fronts detected as of Tuesday night. An area home to around 210,000 people was found to be at risk from the fires.

The extreme heat and dry conditions fuelling Portugal's wildfires have coincided with severe flooding in central Europe, leading the European Union to describe the contrasting weather events as evidence of a "climate breakdown." 

In response, Spain sent 240 soldiers and vehicles from its specialized emergency fire battalions to assist Portugal. Additionally, France, Spain, and Italy contributed water bombers, while Morocco dispatched two aircraft following a request from Portugal.

Civil Protection official André Fernandes warned that thick smoke from the fires is severely hindering air operations, adding that the high risk of forest fires would persist for another 48 hours. 

The fires’ effects were felt far beyond Portugal, with smoke and the smell of burning wood reaching 85 kilometers (50 miles) into northwestern Spain.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro urged security forces to intensify efforts to apprehend both arsonists and those who started fires negligently. Portuguese police have already arrested seven men suspected of starting wildfires in recent days.

This marks one of the most severe wildfire crises Portugal has faced in recent years.

Three firefighters died in forest fires in Portugal - at least four civilian causalties

ORIGINAL POST FROM SEPTEMBER 17:

At least seven people, including three firefighters, have lost their lives as wildfires continue to cause evacuations and destruction to homes in Portugal, local news outlets report. 

The fires, which have been worsened by extreme heat and dry conditions, are spreading across large areas of the country, leading to widespread evacuations and significant damage to homes and infrastructure. 

Firefighters are working to contain the fires, but the ongoing high temperatures and winds are making the task increasingly difficult.

Parts of Portugal have been engulfed in wildfires since the weekend, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) in some areas. The northern and central regions have been hardest hit. 

Three firefighters -  two female and one male  - lost their lives while battling the fires in Tábua, according to Portugal's civil protection authority.

Over 5,000 firefighters are working to control the fires.  

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the wildfires are "raging across the country."

According to the BBC, at least 12 firefighters are injured. 

The wildfires have repodtedly devastated 10,000 hectares (37 square miles) between Porto and Aveiro in northern Portugal, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa. 

As of Tuesday at 13:00 local time, André Fernandes, the national civil protection commander, reported 65 fires still active.

Local media reports that hospitals in the affected regions have been treating individuals for burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries related to the fires. 

At least 12 firefighters have been injured, with two in serious condition.

Authorities have been forced to close major motorways, including the primary route between Lisbon and Porto. Many homes have been destroyed, and schools in Gondomar, a central Porto district, were closed on Tuesday due to the dangerous conditions. 

The situation remains critical.

According to EuroNews, almost 1,600 firefighters were deployed to fight fires in 20 different areas on Monday, as the country battles with high temperatures and strong winds.

The European Union has pledged eight firefighting planes to assist Portugal in battling the severe wildfires. 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the EU was "urgently mobilizing" resources and encouraged other member states to provide further assistance.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed his gratitude to France, Greece, Italy, and Spain for their "rapid and essential help" in fighting the fires in a post on X.

Despite Portugal's existing resources, including 30 water bombers and over 1,500 fire engines, officials indicated that the severity of the situation demands additional support. The wildfires continue to pose significant challenges for local authorities.

Reuters writes that Portugal and neighbouring Spain have recorded fewer fires than usual after a rainy start to the year. However, the countries still remain vulnerable to the increasingly hot and dry conditions which scientists have blamed on global warming.

The European Commission wrote on their home page:

"Following Portugal's activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in response to severe wildfires in the northern part of the country, the European Commission has mobilised 8 firefighting planes. These include 2 each from Spain, Italy, France, and Greece, to support the Portuguese first responders on the ground. 

This is the second time this summer that Portugal has activated the Mechanism due to wildfires. The planes, part of the rescEU fleet and the European Civil Protection Pool, are financially supported by the Commission.

Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič stated: 

"The EU stands in full solidarity with Portugal. Our swift response, with eight firefighting planes from four Member States, underscores the strength of European cooperation in times of crisis. We are working around the clock to ensure that the necessary support reaches those fighting the fires on the ground."

The European Union's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) has also deployed a Liaison Officer to support the Portuguese authorities. The ERCC is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating the delivery of assistance."

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY. STAY TUNED FOR MORE

Photo Credit: Eucalyptus forest fire near Churrascaria Cancela ( Steak House Cancela), road ER209, Madeira, Portugal, 3 July 2011. Wikipedia Commons License.