More than 1,700 firefighters have been deployed across Portugal to combat a series of major wildfires fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions. Among the most critical incidents is the blaze in Arouca, where 500 personnel and 175 land units have been mobilized in a large-scale response effort.

In Ponte da Barca, a fire that has been active since Saturday continues to threaten residential areas, forcing evacuations as flames draw dangerously close to homes.

Emergency services have reported several injuries among responders, including five firefighters hurt in a road accident and at least six others who sustained minor injuries while battling the fires.

With the entire country under maximum or very high fire risk, authorities remain on high alert. Persistent heat and challenging weather conditions are expected to exacerbate the situation in the coming days.