Portugal is battling numerous wildfires on its mainland, and it has requested assistance from the European Union and mobilized about 5,300 firefighters.
According to civil protection authorities, the number of fatalities from wildfires in Portugal has increased to seven. This is because three Portuguese firefighters perished after their truck became engulfed in flames.
The national commander of civil protection, Andre Fernandes, expressed regret to reporters on Tuesday about the deaths of three firefighters. He said that two women and one male perished while battling fires close to Nelas in the northern Viseu province.
Portugal has requested assistance from the European Union and is fighting more than 50 active wildfires on its territory, mobilizing over 5,300 firefighters.
Authorities have suspended train connections on two railroad lines in northern Portugal and shuttered a number of roads, including a portion of the key highway that connects Lisbon and Porto.
Maximal Vigilance
At least 40 people were hurt by wildfires in central and northern Portugal, and residential areas were put in danger, according to media sources.
Up until Thursday, more than 100 communities were on a state of highest alert.
Authorities reportedly recorded a few arson cases as dense clouds of smoke obscured the skies over Portugal.
According to statements released on Tuesday, police detained a number of suspects, including two women, for setting fire to the forests on Monday.
President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday that the EU would send eight combat aircraft to Portugal to assist in containing wildfires.
