More Than 3,000 Firefighters and Over 60 Aircraft to Combat Fires in Portugal

More than three thousand firefighters and over sixty aircraft participated in efforts to extinguish wildfires in Portugal, which authorities say have resulted in 29 injuries. According to official Portuguese television and other local media, 12 firefighters and 17 civilians required medical assistance for minor injuries caused by the fires. The Portuguese civil protection agency announced that more than three thousand firefighters are involved in combating active blazes. The European Union has activated its air fleet program to assist in firefighting efforts, allowing member states to share resources to help Portugal. Spain, which has also recently experienced wildfires, quickly responded by preparing two firefighting aircraft to send to its Iberian neighbor, according to EU Crisis Commissioner Janez Lenarčič. The Portuguese government stated that sixty aircraft have been deployed to support its ground crews.