Tragic Third Fatality as Wildfires Rage Across Portugal, Consuming Over 230,000 Hectares

Wildfires Claim Third Life in Portugal This Year

Portugal is grappling with devastating wildfires that have resulted in a third fatality this year. A 65-year-old man lost his life in Mirandela while attempting to combat the flames, marking a tragic escalation in the ongoing crisis.

Details of the Incident

The victim was reportedly run over by the tracked machine he was operating while helping to create a firebreak. The mayor of Mirandela confirmed the death on the morning of August 20, highlighting the dangers faced by those on the front lines.

National Response and Condolences

Both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, expressed their condolences to the family. In a post on social media platform X, Montenegro praised the "inexhaustible effort of the many operatives involved in fighting this war against the fires," acknowledging their critical role.

Current Fire Situations

• Mirandela Fire: This blaze, which burned for three days, was brought under control in the afternoon after consuming between 5,000 and 6,000 hectares.
• New Fires on Wednesday: Two new fires broke out in Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (Guarda district) and Valongo (Porto district), with the latter being resolved by 8:30 PM.
• Cross-Border Fire from Galiza: A fire that started in Galiza and crossed into Portugal in Montalegre reignited in Chaves, threatening the Cocanha industrial zone and areas like Vila Verde da Raia, Bustelo, and Vila Meã.
• Major Fire in Arganil: Originating on August 13 in Arganil (Coimbra district), this fire has spread to multiple municipalities, including Pampilhosa da Serra, Oliveira do Hospital, Seia, Covilhã, and Castelo Branco, mobilizing significant resources.

Regional Impacts and Warnings

In Covilhã, a fire front advanced from the Torre area in Serra da Estrela to Penhas da Saúde and Unhais da Serra, with concerns for localities like Dominguizo and Vales do Rio. The Fundão fire worsened, approaching the urban area of Soalheira and leading to road closures on highways A23 and N18. The Sabugal fire, though under control, remains under vigilant monitoring to prevent reignitions.

Alarming Statistics

According to the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, nearly 234,000 hectares have burned in Portugal this year alone, underscoring the severity of the wildfire season.

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