Hundreds of firefighters combat wildfires across Portugal, Greece and Spain
More than 1,200 firefighters are fighting a multi-day blaze in central Portugal, while separate fires in Greece and Spain also draw large emergency responses.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal, Greece and Spain, with Spain and Italy sending additional crews to assist Portugal where a fire has been burning for several days.
In Portugal’s central Vouzela region, civil protection officials said over 1,200 firefighters, nearly 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft are working to contain a blaze that has scorched about 12,000 hectares, according to satellite data from the EU Copernicus programme. Spain contributed 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles, while Italy and Spain each dispatched a firefighting aircraft. By Sunday afternoon the fire showed signs of abating, though hot spots remained.
In Greece, authorities warned residents of Thessaloniki to keep windows and doors closed as toxic smoke from a wildfire engulfing a recycling plant spread. The fire, sparked near the Oraiokastro suburb, prompted evacuation alerts for three nearby neighborhoods and a facility for people with disabilities. About 160 firefighters fought the blaze through the night, and water-dropping aircraft were scheduled to operate at dawn.
"Most wildfires in Greece are caused by negligence, such as sparks from agricultural machinery, discarded cigarettes and outdoor barbecues," said fire department spokesman Brig. Ioannis Artopoios on state television.
A separate wildfire west of Athens involved 210 firefighters, volunteers, specialized teams and 29 aircraft, including water-dropping planes and helicopters, as they worked to protect pine forest in the Mandra area before nightfall.
In Spain’s Girona region, a fire that started on Friday has burned nearly 2,200 hectares and has a perimeter of about 40 kilometers, according to the Catalan Fire Service. Officials indicated the blaze may not be fully contained by Sunday.
