Portugal wildfires claim seven lives as thousands of hectares burn
Wildfires have engulfed northern and central Portugal, leading to widespread destruction and the deaths of at least seven people. With over 5 000 firefighters and international assistance mobilized, authorities are struggling to contain the infernos that have burnt thousands of hectares of land as high temperatures and winds exacerbate the situation.
Image credit: NOAA-20/VIIRS, The Watchers
More than 5 000 firefighters are actively working to contain wildfires that have spread across northern and central Portugal. Since Saturday, September 14, 2024, at least seven people have died, including four firefighters.
Among the casualties was João Silva, a firefighter who died from a “sudden illness” while battling a blaze in Oliveira de Azeméis.
Temperatures across Portugal exceeded 30 °C (86 °F) over the weekend, with forecasts predicting the heat will persist in the coming days. Local authorities have warned that the risk of wildfires remains at its highest possible level across many central and northern regions until at least Wednesday, September 18, with the threat expected to remain “very high” until Friday, September 20.
The fires, which have already consumed 10 000 ha (24 710 acres) between Porto and Aveiro in the north, have also caused injuries. At least 40 people, including firefighters, have been injured, with some suffering from respiratory issues or burns. Hospitals in affected areas are treating people with breathing difficulties and other injuries.
Motorways, including the main road connecting Lisbon to Porto, have been closed as fires continue to threaten transportation routes and nearby communities.
Portugal’s national firefighting resources include 30 water bombers and over 1 500 fire engines, but authorities say the situation is too complex to handle without international assistance. The European Union is sending eight firefighting planes, while France, Greece, Italy, and Spain have also provided additional support.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the bloc is “urgently mobilizing” resources to assist Portugal. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed that France would deploy two water bombers, with more expected from Spain. “This is EU solidarity at its best,” von der Leyen said.
In the village of Busturenga, residents have been trying to save their homes and belongings as the fire approaches.
Thick smoke has made visibility difficult, with some residents taking matters into their own hands. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The fire was all around the village,” said 67-year-old Maria Fatima, noting that water bombers were unable to reach the area due to the smoke.
Wildfires have destroyed several homes and thousands of hectares of woodland and crops in the region, with residents relying on small buckets of water and garden hoses to combat the flames. Maria do Carmo Carvalho, a 70-year-old farmer, after fighting the fire all afternoon to protect her property, said, “The worst thing is the wind,” as it fueled the flames.
The fires have claimed at least seven lives, including a 28-year-old Brazilian forestry worker who was killed on Monday after getting trapped while attempting to retrieve tools. Local media reports indicate that three firefighters also died in a separate incident when their fire engine was engulfed by flames near Tábua.
A Red Alert for hot weather will remain in place across mainland Portugal, said National Civil Protection Commander André Fernandes.
As of 23:00 local time (LT) on Monday, 128 active wildfires were burning across the country, with several forcing evacuations. In the Aveiro region alone, four major fires have consumed more than 10 000 ha (24 710 acres) of land. Portugal’s civil protection authority reported that around 70 residents have been forced to flee their homes, while four houses have burned down in the town of Albergaria-a-Velha.
The wildfires have been compared to the devastating fires in 2017 when more than 100 people died in two catastrophic blazes. The fires currently blazing have already destroyed houses, businesses, and property, and there are fears that conditions may worsen before they improve.
According to Mário Silvestre, a firefighting commander, high winds have been one of the main challenges for firefighters. “These fires evolve according to the wind,” Silvestre said, explaining that firefighters have had to constantly adjust their tactics in response to changing weather conditions.
The mayor of Albergaria-a-Velha, António Loureiro, stated that 20 more homes in the area are at risk. In the Cabeceiras de Basto area, two other homes have already been destroyed.
Portuguese authorities remain on high alert as they prepare for further challenges in the days ahead.
The police have arrested five individuals suspected of starting some of the fires. The latest arrest involves a 33-year-old woman accused of using a direct flame to ignite several blazes in the Alvaiázere region, which borders an urban area and poses a threat to nearby homes and wildlife.
Portugal has activated its Civil Protection Emergency Plan in Porto, as firefighting efforts continue across the country. Heavy-duty water bombers from neighboring countries have arrived, with more expected as the fires rage on.
With communities grappling with the devastation and firefighting teams battling the inferno for days, the situation remains critical. National authorities and international support are working to contain the fires and assess the damage, but challenges persist as high winds and high temperatures continue to fan the flames.
Climatologists and local experts have described the recent fires as “completely anomalous,” citing the combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. Climatologist Carlos Câmara said, “These fires are indomitable.”
The fires have burned thousands of hectares of land, and while authorities have made some progress, the battle is far from over.
France, Spain, Greece, and Italy have continued to send aid, with water bombers arriving to bolster local efforts. Local authorities remain in close communication with the national government to assess what further assistance is needed.
References:
1 ‘Never seen this’: Portuguese village battered by wildfire – France 24 – September 17, 2024
2 Thousands of firefighters battle ‘raging’ wildfires across Portugal-BBC -September 17, 2024
3 Death, destruction and injuries multiply as Portugal battles wildfire pandemonium- Portugal resident – September 17, 2024
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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