Tragic Fourth Victim of Portugal's Wildfires Was Protecting Forests for Major Paper Producers

Fourth Victim in Portugal's 2025 Wildfires Identified

Daniel Filipe Esteves, a 45-year-old operational worker, tragically lost his life this Saturday, becoming the fourth victim of the wildfires that have ravaged Portugal this year. He was employed by Afocelca and resided in Castelo Branco.

Esteves worked on the ground alongside various emergency response teams, including firefighters, special civil protection forces, GNR emergency units, and forest firefighter squads from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests. His role was crucial in protecting forests primarily for major paper pulp producers, highlighting the risks faced by workers in these high-stakes environments.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges and dangers associated with wildfire management in Portugal, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures and support for those on the front lines.