Hundreds of firefighters battle wildfires in northern Portugal

More than 1,000 firefighters are working to contain a spreading wildfire in northern Portugal, as the country grapples with extreme heat, LRT reports.

The blaze, which began on Tuesday in the Viseu district, has already scorched 10,000 hectares of land. Emergency services said temperatures in some areas could reach 44°C, with around 1,100 firefighters deployed alongside 380 heavy vehicles, eight aircraft, and helicopters to combat the flames.

Spain has sent military support after Portugal requested European assistance to tackle what is the first major wildfire of the season. Nine people have been injured so far, including two civilians in serious condition.

The government has introduced emergency measures, including bans on entering forests and restrictions on certain types of machinery in rural areas.