Portugal Declares State of Calamity as Wildfires Rage Uncontrollably

LISBON, Portugal — More than 100 wildfires have overwhelmed firefighters in northern Portugal, leading to seven fatalities since the outbreak of the fires escalated over the weekend. The situation has prompted a massive mobilization of resources as authorities grapple with the intensity of the crisis.

In response to the devastating fires, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro declared a state of calamity in the most affected regions late Tuesday. This declaration enables the government to deploy additional firefighting resources and civil servants. Montenegro emphasized the urgent need for police to intensify investigations into the cause of the fires and promised assistance to those who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate.

“We are well aware that these difficult hours are not over yet,” Montenegro stated during a televised address to the nation. “We have to continue to give everything we have and ask for help from our partners and friends so that we can reinforce the protection of our people and property.”

The European Copernicus satellite service reported that over 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) have been consumed by the flames, with fire fronts extending a total of 13 kilometers (8 miles) as of Tuesday night. An area housing 210,000 residents is now at risk due to the fires.

Meanwhile, the extreme conditions in Portugal coincided with severe flooding in central Europe, prompting the European Union to comment on the alarming juxtaposition of such contrasting climate events. The EU described the situation as indicative of a “climate breakdown.”

Addition of support has come from fellow European Union member countries, including Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, each providing two water-dropping aircraft to assist Portuguese firefighting efforts. The military of Spain is also sending 240 soldiers and specialized vehicles to aid in combatting the blazes.

As the situation progressed, thick grey smoke and the scent of scorched wood wafted into northwest Spain, reaching distances of around 85 kilometers across the border. This startling development highlights the extensive reach of the wildfires.

Prime Minister Montenegro has called upon security forces to actively pursue both those responsible for arson and individuals whose negligence may have contributed to the outbreak of the fires. As part of this crackdown, Portuguese national police reported the arrest of seven suspects linked to recent wildfires. Additionally, authorities have imposed restrictions on the use of heavy farming equipment to minimize the risk of accidental ignitions.

The district of Aveiro, situated south of Porto, has faced some of the most severe impacts of the wildfires, but multiple other wooded areas are also grappling with uncontrolled blazes.

While specific figures regarding property damage and evacuation tallies have not yet been disclosed, Portuguese state broadcaster RTP shared distressing imagery of charred homes in rural communities. Footage displayed local residents attempting to extinguish flames using buckets, hoses, and even large branches. Other videos depicted visibility dropping to mere meters as thick, orange smoke blanketed the landscape.

The tragedy extends beyond property, as three firefighters tragically lost their lives in their vehicle on Tuesday, while another died from what has been described as a “sudden illness” incurred while on duty over the weekend. Civil protection authorities also reported that three civilians have perished due to the fires.

In recent memory, Portugal has struggled with catastrophic wildfires, notably in 2017, when more than 120 lives were lost. Experts attribute the current fires to a combination of climate change and the decline of traditional farming practices. The abandonment of such practices has allowed underbrush to accumulate, creating a dangerous fuel source for wildfires.

The ongoing situation in Portugal remains dire, with communities coming together in hopes of extinguishing the flames and protecting their homes, as the country faces one of the most challenging wildfire seasons in years.

Source: AP