Portugal declares state of calamity as deadly wildfires rage out of control

Lisbon, Portugal: More than 100 wildfires have overwhelmed firefighters in northern Portugal, leading to seven deaths since the fires intensified over the weekend.

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared a state of emergency for the worst-hit areas on Tuesday. This allows for more firefighters and civil servants to be mobilised. He also urged police to step up efforts to find those responsible for starting the fires and promised assistance to people who have lost their homes or have been evacuated.

“We are well aware that these difficult hours are not over yet,” Montenegro told the nation in a televised address. “We have to continue to give everything we have and ask for help from our partners and friends so that we can reinforce the protection of our people and property.”

According to the European Copernicus satellite service, over 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) have burned, with fire fronts stretching a combined 13 kilometres (8 miles) as of Tuesday night. The fires are threatening an area where 210,000 people live.

The extreme heat and dry conditions in Portugal have coincided with severe flooding in central Europe. The European Union stated that these extreme weather events highlight a “climate breakdown.”

In response, Spain has sent 240 soldiers and vehicles specialised in firefighting to assist Portugal. France deployed four water-dropping planes, while Spain and Italy sent two each. Morocco also responded with two water-dropping planes that arrived on Wednesday.

“The thick smoke produced by most of these fires is making it very difficult for air units to operate," said Civil Protection official André Fernandes. “We are still at high risk for forest fires over the next 48 hours.”

Thick smoke from the fires has reached about 85 kilometres (50 miles) into northwest Spain, carrying the smell of burnt wood.

Prime Minister Montenegro urged security forces to pursue those responsible for starting the fires, whether intentionally or through negligence. The national police have arrested seven men suspected of arson. To prevent further fires, authorities have banned the use of heavy farming equipment.

The district of Aveiro, south of Porto, has been among the hardest hit, but significant fires are also raging in other forested areas. While officials have not yet released specific figures on property damage or the number of evacuees, images from Portuguese state broadcaster RTP show charred houses in rural areas, with local residents trying to fight the flames using buckets, hoses, and branches. Some areas have experienced visibility reduced to just a few metres due to the thick smoke.

Tragically, three firefighters died in their vehicle on Tuesday, while another firefighter passed away from what authorities described as a "sudden illness" while on duty. Additionally, three civilians have lost their lives, and health services have treated 10 people with serious injuries and another 49 with minor injuries.

Portugal faced devastating wildfires in 2017 that claimed over 120 lives. Experts say that current fires are linked to climate change and the decline of traditional farming and forestry practices, which previously helped keep rural areas clear of brush that now fuels the flames.

Agency