A massive wildfire raging in northern Portugal has scorched an estimated 10,000 hectares of forest, prompting the government to seek international assistance as extreme heat and dry conditions fuel multiple blazes across the country. The fire, which broke out on Wednesday night in the municipality of Vouzela in the district of Viseu, has left at least 9 people injured, with 2 in serious condition. According to Portugal’s national civil protection authority, three firefighters suffered minor injuries, while one civilian sustained serious burns. Around 1,000 firefighters, supported by some 300 vehicles and eight planes or helicopters, have been deployed to battle the blaze. Four other smaller outbreaks are also being fought by at least 100 firefighters each. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Portugal had activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism and bilateral agreements with Spain and Morocco to bring in reinforcements. “Not because our capacities are already exhausted but because in the current situation, our entire territory is exposed to a very high risk,” AFP quoted Montenegro saying. Due to very hot and dry weather, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius in some areas, Portugal’s meteorological agency has placed 12 of the country’s 18 mainland districts on red alert, with the highest warning level set to remain in place through Saturday and Sunday in around 10 regions. Meanwhile, neighbouring Spain is also battling a rapidly spreading wildfire near the Costa Brava. The blaze has burned 1,280 hectares (3,160 acres), forcing the evacuation of around 150 people, including about 70 children from a holiday camp. More than 200 firefighters, backed by aerial resources, are battling the flames, while over 200 troops from the army’s emergencies unit have been deployed. Authorities also arrested a man on suspicion of starting the fire while using an angle grinder by the roadside.
