Portugal is in urgent need of more firefighting planes as wildfires continue to rage in central and northern regions. At least 15 blazes are currently active, with one particular fire burning houses on the outskirts of Albergaria-a-Velha.

Over 800 firefighters are battling the flames in northwestern Aveiro district, where police have closed motorways and evacuated villages. Thick smoke has blanketed the area, fueled by strong winds and high temperatures.

The government has deployed eight water-bombing aircraft in the affected district and has requested additional support from the European Commission through the RescEU civil protection mechanism.

Despite a rainy start to the year, Portugal remains vulnerable to fires due to increasingly hot and dry conditions, attributed to global warming. The situation is being closely monitored as temperatures are expected to remain high in the coming days.

Neighbors in Spain have also been affected, highlighting the urgent need for cooperation and resources to combat these destructive wildfires. [Reuters]