Portugal is battling one of its most severe wildfire seasons in years, with over 62,000 hectares scorched and seven lives lost, including firefighters. As the situation worsens, Spain and Morocco have mobilised resources to support Portugal in combating the ongoing crisis.
The fires have been concentrated in northern and central Portugal, where over 100 active fire fronts have pushed local resources to their limit. So far, the fires have claimed the lives of four firefighters and three civilians. In addition, over 40 people have been injured, two of them seriously, as the fires ravage homes and displace communities.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro acknowledged the severity of the situation in a national address, requesting assistance from neighbouring countries, including Spain and Morocco. The European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism has also been activated, leading to the deployment of eight firefighting aircraft.
Spain’s immediate response to the crisis
Spain has swiftly responded by sending two water-bombing aircraft and dispatching 230 specialised military personnel from the Unidad Militar de Emergencias (UME). Moreover, these resources are helping Portugal tackle the fires that are primarily concentrated in the Aveiro and Viseu districts.
Portuguese officials have praised Spain’s rapid response. Duarte Costa, a key Portuguese politician, stated that the arrival of Spanish firefighters and equipment has been crucial in containing some of the worst-affected areas. The fires in areas like Sever do Vouga and Albergaria-a-Velha have now been partially controlled, thanks in part to Spanish support.
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Morocco joins firefighting efforts
Morocco has also stepped up to assist Portugal by sending two Canadair firefighting aircraft. These planes are expected to play a key role in controlling the fires across northern and central regions. Moroccan officials confirmed that the aircraft were dispatched as part of a bilateral agreement between Portugal and Morocco. Furthermore, this cooperation emphasises the growing regional collaboration in response to environmental disasters.
Challenges faced by firefighters
Despite the international assistance, containing the fires remains a daunting challenge due to extreme weather conditions. High temperatures and prolonged dry spells have created a perfect environment for the fires to spread rapidly. Experts attribute these conditions to climate change, highlighting the growing frequency of extreme weather events in Southern Europe.
The Portuguese government has declared a state of calamity in the hardest-hit regions. The situation remains fluid, as many municipalities are at maximum fire risk, complicating efforts to control the flames. Evacuations have been ordered in several areas, including Gondomar, where more than 170 firefighters are battling the blaze.
Environmental and social impact
The fires have had a devastating effect not only on human life but also on Portugal’s natural landscapes. Over 62,000 hectares have burned, with the northern and central regions bearing the brunt of the destruction. Also, thick smoke from the fires has even crossed into Spain, reducing air quality in parts of the northwest.
Authorities are investigating the causes of the fires, with several arrests made for suspected arson. In an effort to minimise further risk, the Portuguese government has banned the use of heavy farming equipment, which could accidentally ignite fires under such dry conditions.
A growing regional threat
The wildfires in Portugal serve as a reminder of the growing threat that climate change poses to Southern Europe. Spain and Morocco, both vulnerable to similar conditions, have not only offered assistance but are also likely watching the situation closely as a warning of future risks.
The combined efforts of Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and the European Union reflect the need for coordinated responses to climate-related disasters. As wildfires continue to threaten lives and ecosystems, collaboration between neighbouring countries becomes essential.
Also read: Spain has had less wildfires in 2024 but it is not out of danger yet