Portugal activates European civil defense to put out wildfires

Brussels – While Central and Eastern Europe is battered by torrential rain, there are wildfires in Portugal. To deal with the flames reaching the District of Aveiro, between Porto and Coimbra, Lisbon has asked Brussels to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. For now, the only confirmed casualty is a rescue team member.

On Sunday (Sept. 15) several forest fires broke out in the region of central Portugal overlooking the Atlantic, leading to numerous traffic problems along highways (both northbound towards Porto and southbound towards the capital), forcing the evacuation of residents, especially in the area of Albergaria-a-Velha and Sever do Vouga. 

By the next day, around 1,600 firefighters were at work at some 20 sites, attempting to tame the flames fueled by strong winds. In the vicinity of Oliveira de Azemeis alone, more than 500 were reportedly engaged. According to local authorities, there were at least four injured, while one firefighter reportedly died from cardiorespiratory arrest. The fire alert will be active across the country until Tuesday.

The President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated that the EU is “urgently mobilizing eight Canadairs through the Community Civil Protection Mechanism,” as requested by the Portuguese government. Italy, France, Greece, and Spain provided the aircraft that will soon go into action.

The EU stands with Portugal as it battles major wildfires.

We are urgently mobilising 8 firefighting planes via our Civil Protection Mechanism to help local first responders.

I thank France, Greece, Italy and Spain for their rapid reaction.
This is EU solidarity at its best.

– Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 16, 2024