Three firefighters perished as Portugal fights numerous wildfires | Climate Crisis News.

Portugal Seeks EU Help as Death Toll Climbs in Wildfires

As the death toll in Portugal’s recent wave of wildfires rises to seven, the country has reached out to the European Union for assistance. Three firefighters lost their lives while battling one of the over 50 active blazes across the mainland, with more than 5,300 firefighters deployed to combat the fires.

Motorways have been closed, train connections suspended, and at least 40 people, including 33 firefighters, have been injured in the ongoing fires. The situation remains complex and concerning, with villages and settlements affected and resources stretched thin across the affected regions.

Portugal and neighboring Spain have experienced an uptick in wildfires, attributed to hot and dry conditions exacerbated by global warming. Meteorologists warn of continued high fire risk due to high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity.

The government has enlisted the help of other EU countries, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, which have sent water-bombing aircraft to assist in extinguishing the blazes.