Portugal: Wildfires burn in Portugal, injuring six August 4 /update 1

Event

A large fire broke out in Portugal's southern Algarve region, burning around 1000 hectares (2470 acres), on Friday afternoon (local time), August 3. The fire started near Perna da Negra in the mountainous area of Monchique from unknown causes. Around 100 people in two towns were evacuated. The government has committed over 750 firefighters to combat the fire and several other smaller blazes burning in the country. One of those fires in central Portugal's Alentejo region injured six people in the town of Estremoz. Two of those injured suffered serious burns and were transported by helicopter to Lisbon, as of Saturday, August 4. Further evacuations and transportation delays are possible in the affected areas and threatened by the fires.

Context

Portugal is experiencing an extreme heat wave and drought this summer, with temperatures reaching 46°C (115°F) in the south of the country. The country regularly experiences wildfires in the summer months; fires killed at least 66 people in central Portugal in 2017.

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation. Children and those with respiratory illnesses are advised to limit outdoor activity.