Overview
- Lisbon activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and bilateral pacts with Spain and Morocco to have firefighting planes put on standby for possible reinforcement.
- Portuguese authorities are fighting six active wildfires with more than 2,800 firefighters, 864 vehicles and 32 aircraft deployed according to civil protection figures.
- The largest blaze is centred in Viseu's Vouzela municipality and has caused at least nine reported injuries while some outlets estimate that up to about 10,000 hectares have burned.
- The national weather agency placed 12 of 18 mainland districts on the highest red alert with forecasts of temperatures reaching about 44°C and restrictions on forestry work and controlled burns in force.
- Spain is also battling a large Costa Brava fire that has forced evacuations and led to one arrest, raising the risk that regional demand for aerial resources could grow if conditions worsen.