In a significant development, Portuguese firefighters have made substantial progress in combating wildfires that have ravaged central and northern regions of the country. The Aveiro district, one of the most severely affected areas, has seen a marked improvement in the situation as of September 19, 2024.
The fires, which began five days ago, have consumed over 105,000 hectares of forest and farmland, resulting in seven fatalities. However, the firefighting efforts have been bolstered by more favorable weather conditions, with cooler temperatures and increased humidity aiding the containment process.
The Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts temperatures between 22-27 degrees Celsius in the central and northern regions, a significant drop from the recent heatwave that exacerbated fire conditions. This cooler weather has provided much-needed relief to the exhausted emergency workers.
International assistance has played a crucial role in the firefighting efforts. A 270-member Spanish military emergencies team has joined the operation in the central Vizeu district. Additionally, water-bombing aircraft from Spain, Italy, France, and Morocco have been deployed to support the ground crews.
The scale of the current wildfires is reminiscent of the devastating fires that struck Portugal in 2017, which claimed over 100 lives. The total area burned this year has already reached approximately 140,000 hectares, marking it as the most extensive fire damage since that tragic year.
Authorities have raised concerns about the potential involvement of arsonists in some of the fires. At least 13 individuals have been arrested since the outbreak began, suspected of deliberately starting fires. This issue of arson is not new to Portugal, as evidenced by a 2017 case study which found that intentional fire-setting accounted for nearly 36% of the deadly October 2017 fires.
"Arson accounted for nearly 36% of the deadly fires in October 2017, about the same as negligent fire use."
Portugal's vulnerability to wildfires is partly due to its Mediterranean climate and the prevalence of highly flammable eucalyptus and pine trees. The country has one of the highest forest fire risks in Europe, exacerbated by recent severe droughts. In response to these challenges, the Portuguese government has implemented various fire prevention strategies and invested in sophisticated fire detection systems using cameras and satellites.
The ongoing situation underscores the importance of international cooperation in disaster response and the need for continued efforts in fire prevention and forest management. As climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of wildfires, Portugal's experience serves as a crucial case study for other fire-prone regions around the world.