Portugal is appealing for European help to combat the forest fires raging in the country. A number of fires broke out over the weekend, mainly in the Aveiro region, forcing the population to flee their homes.
Around 2,300 people are fighting the fires, estimated to be around 20 in number. One firefighter has died, and twelve firefighters have been injured in the operations, two of them seriously.
Portugal has resources to combat forest and grass fires; the country has around 30 planes and helicopters that can water-bomb fires. Lisbon still turned to Paris, London, and Madrid for additional help. France reports that two firefighting planes are being directed to the region.
The situation is not out of control, but the situation is complicated. We have a tough day ahead of us today, and tomorrow, said André Fernandes, who is responsible for the rescue work in the region south of the port city of Porto.
