Thu Sep 19 08:24:43 UTC 2024: ## Portugal Battles Wildfires for Fourth Day, Four Firefighters Dead

**Aveiro, Portugal (Sept. 18, 2024)** – Wildfires continue to rage in the region of Aveiro and other parts of northern Portugal for a fourth consecutive day, with firefighters facing scorching temperatures. As of Wednesday morning, approximately 4,000 firefighters and 22 aircraft are battling the blazes, according to Portugal’s civil protection authority.

The fires have tragically claimed the lives of four firefighters since Sunday, prompting the government to declare a “situation of calamity” in affected municipalities. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro announced that the government will offer accommodation to those who have lost their homes due to the fires.

While cooler weather is expected on Thursday, temperatures in Aveiro are forecast to reach a high of 30°C (86°F) on Wednesday. As a precautionary measure, the government has restricted access to forest areas due to the heightened risk of fire.

The fires have already scorched an estimated 20,000 hectares in the Aveiro region, according to news agency Lusa. Access to several highways in northern Portugal remains restricted.

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