More than 850 firefighters are mobilized Monday July 27 in Portugal to fight against a fire which has ravaged part of the center of the country for two days, with strong winds and high temperatures which complicate operations on the ground.

The Portuguese government declared the "emergency situation" for the whole country on Monday and Tuesday, increasing the preparedness levels of firefighters, police and emergency medical services. It is forbidden to light fires and access to forests will be limited.

The fire broke out in the town of Oleiros on Saturday afternoon before spreading to two neighboring towns. Evacuations have already taken place.

A 21-year-old firefighter died in a traffic accident on Saturday night while fighting the blaze and seven others were injured, including a civilian.

"I would like to address a word of solidarity, encouragement and thanks to the firefighters (...) for the work they are doing for Portugal and for all of us," Prime Minister Antonio Costa said in a statement on Sunday. communicated.

According to the Portuguese meteorological agency IPMA, high temperatures are expected to continue and the temperature in the district of Castelo Branco, where the affected municipalities are located, is expected to reach 38 ° C on Monday.

Portuguese Home Affairs Minister Eduardo Cabrita said it would be necessary to wait until Tuesday or Wednesday for firefighters to get the blaze under control.

From June to October, fires devastated the center of the country in 2017, killing a total of 114 people.

With Reuters

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