PORTUGAL FIRES: 26 PEOPLE ARRESTED, ARSON SUSPECTED

The situation in Portugal remains critical with 77 fires still active. Since the beginning of the year, 26 people have been arrested on suspicion of starting some of the wildfires, fueling speculation that most of these blazes are the result of arson.

At least 26 people have been arrested in Portugal since the beginning of the year on suspicion of starting some of the wildfires devastating the country. The situation remains dramatic, with 77 fires still active, as reported by local media.

Yesterday, a total of 1,700 personnel, supported by 440 vehicles and 90 aircraft and helicopters, were engaged in trying to contain the flames.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that at least 23 of these fires, nearly a third of the total, broke out during the night between Sunday and Monday. This detail strengthens the suspicion that a significant portion of these incidents is of malicious origin. So far, approximately 30,000 hectares have burned, with more than half of that area being consumed in just the last few days.

Meanwhile, the heatwave, which is contributing to the unstoppable spread of the flames, is expected to last longer than previously forecast, now projected to continue until August 13, rather than ending in the middle of the week.