Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Portugal seeks European help against wildfires raging amid heat, high winds

LISBON, Portugal – A Portuguese official says authorities have asked other European countries to send help as the country’s firefighters struggle to contain forest blazes being fueled by high temperatures and strong winds.

Local mayor Paulo Fonseca said a man died Monday as he tried to douse flames around his farm near Ourem, about 150 kilometres (90 miles) north of Lisbon.

Media reported two people were hurt when a firefighting helicopter crashed in the same area.

More than 1,700 firefighters, almost 500 vehicles and 13 aircraft fought blazes mostly in the north of the country.

Much of Portugal is in severe drought, and hot, windy weather is forecast for most of the week.

Civil Protection Service official Patricia Gaspar says Portugal has asked other European countries to provide at least four water-dumping aircraft.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles