Portugal hit by widespread fires

Seven people have reportedly died in the more than 100 fires raging in Portugal. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro says many of the fires are arson.

The fires have spread from different parts of the country over the past week, with the worst south of the city of Porto in northern Portugal. On Tuesday, the prime minister declared a state of emergency in the worst affected areas. More than 5,000 firefighters are helping to put out the fires, and the EU has also sent eight firefighting planes.

About 15,000 hectares have burned so far and more than 200,000 people are at risk, NPR reported. Seven people have died in the fires, including three firefighters, and about 50 people have been injured so far. Homes and other buildings have also been destroyed.

The fires have been described as the worst in many years in the country, and 14 people were arrested this week on suspicion of starting some of the fires. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro on Tuesday promised tough “repressive action” against such crimes “committed in the name of particular interests”, according to Reuters.

It is unclear how firefighting efforts are progressing in Portugal, but the fires are reportedly not yet under control.