Key facts
- Spain has sent 118 firefighters and 45 vehicles to Portugal.
- Italy has dispatched two Canadair water-bomber aircraft to Portugal.
- Morocco is also expected to send firefighting resources.
- The Vouzela fire has consumed 11,000 hectares.
- Temperatures in Portugal are expected to reach 44°C.
- The Portuguese government has banned forest access and restricted machinery use in rural areas.
International assistance has arrived in Portugal to help combat wildfires exacerbated by a severe heatwave, with temperatures expected to reach 44°C. Spain has deployed 118 firefighters and 45 vehicles, while Italy has sent two Canadair water-bomber aircraft. Morocco is also expected to contribute resources under bilateral agreements, following Portugal's activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
The Vouzela blaze, which has been spreading since Wednesday, is the primary concern and had consumed 11,000 hectares by Saturday afternoon. This fire is being fought by 1,238 Portuguese firefighters, supported by 411 vehicles and six aircraft. The country is under an alert situation across the entire mainland between July 3 and 6.
The Portuguese government has implemented special measures, including a ban on access to forests and restrictions on the use of certain machinery in rural areas. The European Commission confirmed that the aerial resources from Spain and Italy were expected to begin operating on Sunday.