12 Jul 2020 | 08:46 AM UTC
Portugal: Firefighter dies in forest fire in Centro region July 11
A firefighter dies and three others are injured tackling forest fire in Coimbra district (Centro region) on July 11; follow authority directives
Event
A firefighter died and three others were injured as they tackled a forest fire in Coimbra district (Centro region) on Saturday, July 11. The fire in the Serra da Lousã mountain range broke out at around 18:00 (local time) and was brought under control by around 200 firefighters after about three hours. The fire was fanned by strong winds, but the exact circumstances that led to the death of the firefighter have not been revealed.
Further fires are possible in the near term, presenting a risk of travel disruptions in affected areas.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, keep abreast of warnings, anticipate transportation and power disruptions, confirm road conditions prior to traveling, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, particularly evacuation orders.