Portugal is currently battling significant wildfires, with hundreds of firefighters deployed across the country. The situation has intensified as reinforcements from Spain and Italy arrived to assist in combating a large blaze that has raged for more than three days. Meanwhile, Greece grapples with hazardous smoke resulting from a fire at a recycling plant located on the outskirts of Thessaloniki.

As of Sunday, emergency services in both nations were stretched thin, responding to escalating fire threats. In central Portugal, authorities reported that over 12,000 hectares had been engulfed by flames, while northern Greece faced evacuation alerts due to fires near Thessaloniki that have led to damage to homes and businesses, alongside a reported arrest for negligence.

In the Vouzela region of Portugal, the Civil Protection authority stated that over 1,200 firefighters have been mobilised, supported by nearly 400 vehicles and a fleet of 15 aircraft. The European Union’s Copernicus satellite mapping agency confirmed that the wildfire had extended over an area of 12,000 hectares, equivalent to 120 square kilometres, by Sunday.

Reinforcements Arrive in Portugal

As conditions worsened, Spain dispatched 120 firefighters along with 45 firefighting vehicles to help manage the situation in Portugal on Friday. Additionally, three firefighting aircraft from both Italy and Spain were activated to support ground efforts. This cross-border collaboration highlights the urgency of the crisis as countries work together to mitigate the wildfires.

On the other hand, in Greece, flames erupted at the recycling plant near Oraiokastro on Saturday evening, prompting urgent evacuation alerts for three nearby suburbs as well as for a centre that cares for 157 individuals with special needs. The Greek fire department noted that strong winds significantly aggravated the fire, requiring around 160 firefighters to work throughout the night. Water-dropping aircraft commenced operations at dawn to combat the blaze from above.

The mayor of Oraiokastro, Pandelis Tsakiris, reported damage to several homes and businesses, though a comprehensive assessment was yet to be conducted. The fire department cited the arrest of a 76-year-old man on suspicion of negligence, as it was alleged that sparks from his vehicle ignited roadside vegetation. He is expected to face legal proceedings on Sunday.

Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges

The recent wildfire incidents come on the heels of another tragic fire in the region that resulted in the deaths of a 12-year-old boy and his father. Fire department spokesman Brig. Ioannis Artopoios warned that approximately 85 per cent of wildfires in Greece can be attributed to negligence, including causes like stray sparks from agricultural tools, discarded cigarettes, and outdoor cooking activities. Such statistics suggest that many fires could potentially have been prevented.

Historically, Greece has been vulnerable to devastating wildfires during its hot, arid summers. The 2018 fire east of Athens claimed over 100 lives, while a massive blaze in 2023 became the largest wildfire documented in the European Union, occurring in a remote natural reserve. To counteract this recurring problem, Greece has started to utilise technology, including the deployment of four satellites launched into low orbit in May, aimed at monitoring wildfires more effectively.

Despite avoiding extreme heatwaves that have affected much of western Europe, Greece is still experiencing multiple wildfires throughout both the mainland and its islands this summer. As of Sunday, efforts in Portugal and Greece to contain the ongoing blazes continue, with Portugal benefitting from international assistance and Greece managing the consequences of toxic smoke amid concerns regarding fire prevention.

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