Two blazes engulf Portugal, one of which resulted in a third reported death
Portugal and Spain Battle Raging Forest Fires
Portugal is currently battling 36 rural fires, with the most significant blazes occurring in the districts of Arganil and Sabugal. The aim is to declare the Arganil fire under control by the end of the night, while the Sabugal fire presents the best conditions to be declared under control by the end of the day.
The fire in Arganil has a "very large" perimeter and has spread to the district of Castelo Branco. Approximately 1,500 firefighters, over 500 vehicles, and 16 aerial means are working to combat the fire. In some areas, only embers remain, and there is no active fire.
The Sabugal fire, however, has seen a significant improvement. The situation in Sabugal is much calmer than it was yesterday, with 450 personnel, 121 vehicles, and four aerial means deployed to combat the blaze.
The fires in the municipalities of Montalegre (Vila Real) and Mirandela (Braganca) are still active in Portugal. Tragically, these wildfires have claimed three lives so far. The first victim was a civilian who died fighting the flames last Friday. The second victim was a firefighter who died in a car accident while on duty. A 75-year-old man also lost his life in the fire in Mirandela.
The origin of the fires in Montalegre and Mirandela can be traced back to the Spanish region of Galicia. The Spanish region has been battling fires for weeks during a heatwave. The border region with Spain, especially with Galicia and Castilla y León, still has a very low relative humidity and high temperatures, creating favorable conditions for new fires to develop.
Multiple fires have been reported in northwestern Spain, specifically in the region of Galicia, which includes the provinces of La Coruña (A Coruña) and Orense (Ourense). Arrests of suspected arsonists have been made in these areas, suggesting the fires affecting Portugal could be linked to the Galicia region in Spain.
The Portuguese authorities are working tirelessly to contain the fires and protect the public. With the cooperation of neighbouring countries, they hope to bring these devastating blazes under control as soon as possible.
