Portugal battles major wildfires as heat and winds intensify risk

More than 1,700 firefighters have been deployed to tackle a dozen major blazes. The most critical situation was in Arouca, where 500 personnel and 175 land units were mobilised. In Ponte da Barca, a fire active since Saturday continued to spread near residential areas, prompting evacuations. Five firefighters were injured in a road accident, and at least six others sustained minor injuries during operations. Authorities remain on high alert, warning that persistent heat may worsen conditions, with the entire country facing a maximum or very high fire risk.