Portugal fights forest fires under state of alert

(MENAFN) Portugal is currently battling several forest fires under a state of alert as a severe heatwave grips southern and northern Europe, local media reported Tuesday.

Four major wildfires remain active, especially in northern areas like Vila Real and Mondim de Basto, where over 800 firefighters are working with support from 282 vehicles and nine aircraft. The largest blaze in Vila Real involves 522 firefighters, with a special forces team from Latvia joining the efforts.

Emergency responders are reportedly exhausted after days of fighting fires and have requested additional government support. Portugal’s state of alert will remain in effect until August 7 as the heatwave worsens.

Meanwhile, neighboring Spain faces temperatures soaring to 42°C (107°F) across nine regions, triggering an “orange alert.” Authorities warn that the wildfire risk remains very high despite some recent containment. An 85-year-old man in Badajoz died from heatstroke amid the extreme heat.

The Iberian Peninsula is experiencing its second major heatwave this summer, with meteorologists forecasting that the hot weather will continue through the weekend.

In southeastern Europe, Bulgaria is also battling wildfires in the Harmanli area, where 5,000 acres of forest have burned. Sixty firefighters, officials, and farmers are on site, and officials say no populated areas are currently at immediate risk.

In northern Europe, Finland’s Meteorological Institute issued severe thunderstorm warnings, cautioning that strong winds could cause significant damage and lead to hail and urban flooding. Temperatures there are expected to fall to around 20°C (68°F) after a record-breaking 22 days of highs over 30°C (86°F).

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