Wildfire spreads across central Portugal during heat and high winds
A fire near Vouzela burned through several municipalities as residents tried to protect homes and evacuations were ordered.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
1 min read
A large wildfire near Vouzela in central Portugal spread across several municipalities as extreme heat and strong winds pushed the flames, Al Jazeera reported. The fire matters for nearby communities because evacuations were ordered and residents tried to defend homes as firefighting crews stepped up their response.
Al Jazeera reported that the blaze was burning in the central part of the country, near Vouzela. Strong winds and high temperatures helped drive its spread, according to the outlet.
Residents in affected areas worked to protect houses as the fire advanced, Al Jazeera reported. Evacuations were also ordered, though the report did not specify how many people were told to leave or which communities were covered by the orders.
Authorities said thousands of hectares had burned, according to Al Jazeera. The report did not give a more precise figure for the area affected.
Firefighting efforts intensified as the blaze moved through multiple municipalities, Al Jazeera reported. The report, published July 3, did not identify a cause for the fire or say whether any injuries had been reported.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.