In a heartbreaking incident in Portugal, a 65-year-old firefighter tragically died after being run over by the bulldozer he operated while combating wildfires. The man was working in Mirandela and reportedly fell from his vehicle while trying to avoid the advancing flames. His death raises the toll from these devastating wildfires in Portugal to three.
The wildfires, which have been rampant since late July, are particularly fierce in the northern and central regions of the country. Meanwhile, neighboring Spain has faced even more devastation, with four fatalities reported and an area larger than Long Island consumed by the flames. While temperatures have recently dropped after a 16-day heatwave, officials continue to warn of potential risks.
As many as 15 others were injured in Portugal, one critically, as they fought fires near Sabugal. In Spain, 40 fires remain active, and the local populace has been urged to exercise caution after temperatures soared above 40C in some regions.
The wildfires have been largely attributed to climate change, with experts noting that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. In total, over 373,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain this year alone, with evacuees describing harrowing escape experiences.
Investigations are underway regarding the fires, with authorities linking some incidents to arson and lightning strikes during dry storms. Both Spain and Portugal have requested emergency assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism as the battle against these infernos continues.
The wildfires, which have been rampant since late July, are particularly fierce in the northern and central regions of the country. Meanwhile, neighboring Spain has faced even more devastation, with four fatalities reported and an area larger than Long Island consumed by the flames. While temperatures have recently dropped after a 16-day heatwave, officials continue to warn of potential risks.
As many as 15 others were injured in Portugal, one critically, as they fought fires near Sabugal. In Spain, 40 fires remain active, and the local populace has been urged to exercise caution after temperatures soared above 40C in some regions.
The wildfires have been largely attributed to climate change, with experts noting that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense. In total, over 373,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain this year alone, with evacuees describing harrowing escape experiences.
Investigations are underway regarding the fires, with authorities linking some incidents to arson and lightning strikes during dry storms. Both Spain and Portugal have requested emergency assistance through the European Civil Protection Mechanism as the battle against these infernos continues.
