Portugal is grappling with devastating wildfires that have reached residential areas, prompting the government to request assistance from the European Union. Nearly 1,600 firefighters are currently deployed to combat the blazes, which have been exacerbated by high temperatures and strong winds.
The wildfires have primarily affected the Aveiro district, where multiple blazes erupted over the weekend. Local authorities report that the fires have engulfed homes and disrupted traffic on key motorways, including a major highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The situation has escalated to the point where the Portuguese government has sought help from the European Commission.
EU Assistance
Under the Civil Protection Mechanism, the EU can provide various forms of assistance, including additional firefighters, water bombers and helicopters and satellite imagery from the Copernicus system to monitor fire activity.
This support is crucial as the fires continue to pose a significant threat to both life and property in the region.
In Albergaria-a-Velha, a neighborhood has been evacuated due to the proximity of the flames. The town’s mayor, António Loureiro, has indicated that more evacuations may be necessary as the situation develops. Four people have been reported injured, highlighting the dangers faced by both residents and emergency responders.
Firefighting Efforts
Currently, over 500 firefighters are focused on the largest blaze near Oliveira de Azeméis, south of Porto. Tragically, a firefighter from the São Mamede Infesta fire brigade lost his life while battling the flames, suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest during the operation. This incident underscores the perilous nature of firefighting in such extreme conditions.
As Portugal continues to face the threat of wildfires, the request for EU assistance marks a critical step in combating the crisis. With the situation still evolving, the focus remains on protecting lives and property while ensuring that emergency services have the resources they need to manage the fires effectively.