Portuguese authorities continue efforts to control wildfires with European support

Portuguese authorities continue efforts to control wildfires with European support

Portuguese authorities are continuing their efforts to control the wildfires raging in central Portugal, amid European reinforcements including firefighting teams and specialized aircraft to help contain the flames.

The Portuguese Civil Protection Agency reported that more than 1,200 firefighters, supported by around 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft, are taking part in firefighting operations for the blaze that broke out last Thursday in the Fuzela region.

Data from the European Union's Copernicus agency showed that the fires have consumed approximately 120 square kilometers of land, as efforts continue to limit their spread.

The European Union's Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid department stated that Spain sent 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles to Portugal, while both Spain and Italy deployed three firefighting aircraft each to support the firefighting operations.

Portuguese media, citing local officials, reported that the intensity of the fire has decreased in recent hours, although there are still active hotspots that firefighting teams are working to contain and prevent from spreading to new areas.