State of calamity declared in Portugal, wildfires consume nearly 40,000 acres

Portugal is battling one of its worst wildfire outbreaks in recent years, with more than 100 fires stretching the resources of thousands of firefighters and volunteers to their limits. The outbreak turned deadly this week during the week of Sept. 15, with seven lives lost and dozens of injuries.

The lives of four firefighters and three civilians, including a volunteer firefighter, were lost this week. Now, a state of calamity has been declared by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in the hardest hit areas. He’s mobilized additional resources, calling on police to intensify efforts to find the arsonists responsible for sparking the fires.

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The Portuguese government has also pledged support for those who have lost their homes or been evacuated. So far, police have arrested seven men suspected of involvement.

Meanwhile, environmental experts are pointing to climate change and the abandonment of traditional farming methods as key contributors to the scale of the wildfires.

Weather has also been a factor in the spread of the fire. Consistent winds on Monday, Sept. 16, around 45 mph have been a key contributor to the spread of the flames as well, with high temperatures and very low humidity.

Since the fires erupted over the weekend, an area roughly the size of 90,000 football fields has been scorched across mainland Portugal. The fires have reduced entire villages to ash, with local residents joining firefighters in battling the flames however they can, with buckets, hoses, rakes and even tree branches.

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The European Union has also has stepped in, deploying planes and firefighters from Spain, France and Italy. Even Morocco recently sent aircraft to assist in dousing the flames. Despite international support, the thick smoke and winds are hampering air operation, with visibility in some areas greatly reduced.

In a televised address, the prime minister warned that the situation was far from over, calling for continued support from Portugal’s European neighbors.