Portugal is currently battling at least 15 wildfires in central and northern regions, with one fire destroying houses in Albergaria-a-Velha. Over 800 firefighters are working to contain the blaze, along with three others in the Aveiro district. Thick smoke covers the area as strong winds and high temperatures fuel the fires.
To combat the wildfires, Portugal has requested additional fire-fighting aircraft from the European Commission’s RescEU civil protection mechanism. Officials have deployed eight water-bombing aircraft in the Aveiro district alone, where the fires are most severe.
Despite a rainy start to the year, Portugal and Spain are still vulnerable to the effects of global warming, with temperatures exceeding 30C. In Albergaria-a-Velha, the fire has already consumed two houses and continues to spread in the town.
With a total of 1,500 firefighters working across the country, Portugal is in urgent need of more resources to combat the wildfires and protect its communities from further destruction.