Nearly 2,000 Firefighters Combat Major Wildfires Across Northern, Central Portugal

Portugal is facing a severe wildfire crisis, particularly in its northern and central mountainous regions, with multiple large fires threatening residential areas and natural parks. Over 1,900 firefighters, supported by hundreds of vehicles and helicopters, are actively engaged in combating blazes in Trancoso, Covilhã, Vila Real, and surrounding areas, with several fires still burning on multiple fronts. The high temperatures exceeding 40ºC and strong winds are exacerbating the situation, causing widespread damage and forcing evacuations, while officials report injuries among firefighters and civilians. Despite ongoing efforts, local leaders and experts criticize the national government's preparedness and resource allocation, highlighting the insufficiency of firefighting assets like Canadair planes and the lack of visible political leadership amid the crisis. Authorities continue to enforce movement restrictions in forest areas and maintain a state of alert due to persistent heat risks, with hopes that conditions may improve only after mid-August. The scale and intensity of this year's wildfires surpass recent years, reflecting a worrying trend of increasingly aggressive fires in Portugal.