The change in weather has helped firefighters in Portugal’s wildfires and forest fires. Reduced winds and increased humidity are helping to fight the blazes, state TV broadcaster RTP reported.
The expected rain could provide additional help in fighting the fires. The rain could also trigger landslides on the scorched ground, state news agency Lusa reported.
According to Lusa reports, some of the more than 100 fires, particularly in central and northern Portugal, have been extinguished or controlled, such as the one in Nelas, a small town in central Portugal. So far this year, 140,000 hectares (1,400 square kilometers) have burned, the largest in seven years.
Nearly 4,000 firefighters and assistants battle the blaze until they are completely exhausted. Photo: Bruno Fonseca/AP
As reported by Lusa, 10 people have died so far while fighting the flames, and an elderly person has died of a heart attack due to fear and excitement. About 4,000 firefighters have been deployed across the country, supported by firefighting aircraft and helicopters.
Authorities have urged citizens to wear masks and avoid outdoor activities if possible. Photo: Álvaro Ballesteros/EUROPA PRESS/dpa
The fires are estimated to have caused carbon emissions in Portugal to hit 1.9 million tonnes, the highest September level in 22 years, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS). Smoke emissions are also expected to reach parts of Spain and France by the weekend.
This year, Portugal suffered its worst wildfires since 2017. Photo: Bruno Fonseca/AP
