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6 September 2024
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Three firefighters died, 12 firefighters injured in forest fires in Portugal; at least four civilian casualties
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At least seven people, including three firefighters, have lost their lives as wildfires continue to cause evacuations and destruction to homes in Portugal. 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. Over 5 000 firefighters are working to control the fires. At least 12 firefighters have been injured, with two in serious condition.
Parts of Portugal have been engulfed in wildfires since the weekend, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius 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.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the wildfires are "raging across the country."
The wildfires have reportedly devastated 10 000 hectares between Porto and Aveiro in northern Portugal, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa.
As of Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 13h00 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.
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 mobilising" 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 two 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."
Source: CTIF, BBC, Euro News
Parts of Portugal have been engulfed in wildfires since the weekend, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius 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.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that the wildfires are "raging across the country."
The wildfires have reportedly devastated 10 000 hectares between Porto and Aveiro in northern Portugal, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa.
As of Tuesday, 17 September 2024 at 13h00 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.
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 mobilising" 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 two 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."
Source: CTIF, BBC, Euro News
