Portugal's battle with wildfires continues: Natural park faces intense blaze

• Hundreds of Portuguese firefighters and local residents unite to battle wildfires in the Sintra-Cascais natural park near Cascais.
• Over 600 firefighters and 189 vehicles deployed to combat the rapidly spreading wildfire, while water bomber planes are hindered by darkness.
• Evacuations ordered as the blaze poses a significant threat to lives and property; local animal shelter seeks help to transport endangered pets to safety.

Hundreds of Portuguese firefighters, with the help of local residents, race against the clock to extinguish wildfires raging through a natural park near the popular holiday destination of Cascais.

The fire broke out in a mountainous region within the Sintra-Cascais natural park, which covers approximately 145 square kilometers of land west of Lisbon. Efforts to contain the fire have been further complicated by high winds, which prevented firefighting operations.

The wildfire, which started around 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Tuesday, it spread rapidly across the picturesque landscape of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. In rapid response to the emergency, more than 600 firefighters and 189 vehicles were deployed to combat the flames. Water bomber planes were also dispatched, but their operations had to be suspended after dark.

The wildfires, which began on a mountainous terrain within the Sintra-Cascais natural park, have rapidly escalated into a formidable challenge for firefighting teams. With the blaze posing a significant threat to both property and lives, over 500 dedicated firefighters are battling day and night to contain its expansion.

Evacuations ordered, animals endangered

As the situation intensifies, authorities have ordered the evacuation of hundreds of residents from high-risk zones. People are being urged to stay vigilant and prepared for potential changes in wind direction, which can quickly alter the course of the wildfire.

Among the affected, animals have also found themselves in jeopardy, prompting a local animal shelter to seek urgent aid. The shelter is requesting animal transport carriers to ensure the safe transportation of rescued pets from the danger zones. The timely assistance and cooperation of the community are crucial in securing the well-being of these vulnerable animals.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the resolve and determination of the firefighters remain unwavering. Their relentless efforts, supported by the cooperation of the local community, are testament to the spirit of resilience in the face of adversity.

Portugal Forest fire history

Portugal, though spared from the recent heat wave that wreaked havoc in southern Europe, is no stranger to wildfires. EU data reveals that the country often bears the brunt of forest fires, making it one of the hardest-hit countries in the bloc.

July has seen extreme weather events wreak havoc around the world, with record temperatures in China, the United States and southern Europe. These conditions have led to wildfires, water shortages, and increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses.

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