Spain and Italy are sending critical firefighting resources to Portugal to combat a major wildfire during a severe heatwave.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism after a large fire broke out in Vouzela. The blaze has scorched approximately 11,000 hectares since it started on Wednesday.
The response includes two Canadair water-bombers from Italy and 118 Spanish firefighters with 45 vehicles. Morocco is also expected to provide support under a bilateral agreement.
Nine people have been injured, two seriously, in the last 24 hours. The fire is burning amid intense heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 44 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Over 1,200 firefighters, along with hundreds of vehicles and aircraft, are battling the Vouzela blaze. Portugal has enacted a mainland-wide alert and restricted access to forests.