Portugal battles wildfires due to drought and heat

More than 3,000 firefighters and more than 60 aircraft have taken part in fighting wildfires in Portugal that have injured 29 people, according to authorities.

Authorities said 12 firefighters and 17 civilians needed medical attention to treat minor injuries caused by the fires, Portuguese state television and other local media reported.

The Portuguese Civil Protection Agency reported that more than 3,000 firefighters are actively involved in extinguishing the fire.

The European Union has activated the Air Fleet Fire Assistance Program which allows member states to share resources to help Portugal.

Spain, which has also recently been hit by wildfires, has rushed to respond by preparing two firefighting planes to fly to its neighbor in the Iberian Peninsula, according to European Union Crisis Commissioner Janez Lenarčić.

The Portuguese government said it sent 60 aircraft to support its ground crews.

Portugal has always suffered from massive and sometimes tragic forest fires.

In 2017, more than 100 people died in wildfires that got out of control.

Source: Associated Press

Related Stories

Leave a Reply