EU deploys firefighting planes to combat wildfires in Portugal

Wildfires in central and northern Portugal have resulted in seven fatalities and over 50 injuries, with three firefighters tragically losing their lives when their vehicle was engulfed by flames. As of now, 54 wildfires are active across the country, primarily in the northern regions, prompting the mobilization of 5,300 firefighters. The situation has escalated, with significant areas of forest and scrubland consumed, particularly around Aveiro, where over 10,000 hectares have burned in just two days. The extreme weather conditions, characterized by high temperatures exceeding 30°C, low humidity, and strong winds, have created a critical fire risk not seen since 2001. The national civil protection commander has described the situation as “very complex,” indicating that the fires could potentially spread to an additional 20,000 hectares. In response to the crisis, Portugal's Prime Minister has canceled engagements and acknowledged the challenging days ahead. In an effort to combat the wildfires, the European Union has coordinated assistance, with France, Greece, Italy, and Spain contributing eight water-bombing planes. The fires have also disrupted transportation, leading to the closure of railway lines and major roadways, including a key route between Lisbon and Porto. The government has increased funding for fire prevention and firefighting efforts significantly since the deadly blazes of 2017, which claimed 64 lives. Experts attribute the severity of these wildfires to human-induced climate change, which is intensifying extreme weather events globally, leading to more frequent and devastating disasters.