09 Oct 2018 | 05:29 AM UTC
Portugal: Wildfire extinguished Oct. 8 after injuring 21 /update 1
Firefighters extinguish wildfire near Lisbon, in Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, after it injures 21 people; wildfire alerts remain until October 15
Event
Firefighters successfully extinguished a blaze in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park near Lisbon on Monday, October 8. The wildfire began on Saturday, October 7, and had injured 21 people and forced evacuations of several towns by the time it was contained. However, authorities warn that more fires are possible in the coming days given conducive weather conditions that will remain until October 15. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), 40 municipalities in the following districts are at maximum risk of fires: Faro, Portalegre, Santarém, Castelo Branco, Leiria, Coimbra, Viseu, Aveiro, Guarda, and Bragança.
Context
Portugal 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 wildfires, 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.
