26 Jul 2017 | 09:32 AM UTC
Portugal: New forest fires in central areas July 23
New forest fires break out in central parts of the country, including in Sertã and Coimbra, on July 23; thousands of firefighters deployed
Event
Government officials announced on Sunday, July 23, that several new forest fires had broken out in central parts of the country. The largest fire is in the Castelo Branco region of the Sertã municipality. Over 800 firefighters have been deployed into the region to contain the blaze. Another large fire is ongoing near the city of Coimbra. Around 600 firefighters are in Coimbra attempting to prevent its spread.
Context
A significant wildfire in Pedrógão Grande, located about 20 km (14 mi) south of Sertã, killed 64 people and injured more than 250 others in June. While forest fires are common every summer in Portugal, this month's fires have been the deadliest in Portugal's history. Approximately 30,000 hectares of land burned in central Portugal between June 17 and 22.
Advice
Individuals in Portugal are advised to monitor developments to the situation and to adhere to any advice or instructions issued by local authorities (e.g., evacuation orders, road closures).
