17 Aug 2017 | 09:30 AM UTC
Portugal: Three wildfires raging near Castelo Branco /update 2
Wildfires continue to rage in central Portugal late August 16; orange alert to be extended until Friday, August 18
Event
At least three wildfires, which erupted on Tuesday evening, August 15, near the central city of Castelo Branco, were still raging as of Wednesday evening. Over 1000 firefighters have been deployed, assisted by some 300 vehicles and 20 firefighting aircraft, to battle the flames. Although the fires seem to be progressively contained, dry conditions and high temperatures have led local authorities to issue an orange alert, the second-highest on a five point scale, to be in effect until at least Friday evening.
Context
Some 10,000 wildfires have erupted between January and mid-August 2017 in Portugal, burning around 141,000 hectares of land. Police claimed to have arrested 61 people suspected of deliberately starting wildfires.
On August 13, the Portuguese government requested assistance from the EU to fight the increasing number and intensity of wildfires across the country.
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 and road closures).
