Portugal faces issues with closed roads and a significant deployment of over 2,700 firefighters due to wildfires.
Portugal Battles Severe Wildfires, Affecting Thousands of Hectares and Multiple Regions
Portugal is currently grappling with five major wildfires that have burned over 172,000 hectares since July, significantly surpassing last year's figures. The fires have been the main cause of fires in the country, according to the GNR (National Republican Guard).
The most affected regions include multiple areas across the country, with notable fires in districts such as Braga, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, Trancoso, Covilhã, and others in northern and central Portugal. These fires have resulted in at least two fatalities, multiple injuries, and forced evacuations of residents in affected communities. Agricultural lands, homes, and livestock farms have been extensively damaged.
To combat these wildfires, over 2,700 firefighters are deployed, supported by at least 35 aircraft. The GNR has prioritized the protection of people and property in their firefighting efforts. They are reinforcing patrols, using drones for surveillance and monitoring, and taking preventive and surveillance actions.
In response to the crisis, Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism for wildfire response. Two Fire Boss firefighting aircraft are expected to join local operations this week, and Portugal has extended the use of two Canadair water-bombers borrowed from Morocco until August 21.
Road closures have been implemented in certain areas, especially where villages and local communities are threatened. As of the latest reports, eight national roads have been closed across Guarda, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Leiria, and Viana do Castelo. However, specific road names or routes currently closed were not detailed in the available information.
Despite the efforts, the wildfires continue to be mainly located in the north and central regions of Portugal. They have not been reported to have spread further into Spain since crossing from Galicia.
The situation remains dynamic with multiple active fire fronts and strong firefighting efforts in place, bolstered by European aid. The Portugal News reports that homes, farms, livestock, and forest areas have been destroyed or severely damaged by the wildfires. The national state of alert has been extended until August 19 to maintain high readiness for firefighting and prevention measures.
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