Hundreds of Firefighters Tackle Wildfires in Portugal as Greece Warns of Toxic Smoke

Hundreds of firefighters battled wildfires in Portugal and Greece on Sunday as authorities warned residents about worsening conditions and coordinated cross-border assistance to limit damage and protect public health. The Portuguese fire, which began Thursday, had been burning for more than three days and had spread across an area measured at 12,000 hectares (about 120 square kilometers), according to European satellite mapping data reported by international wire services.

In Portugal’s central Vouzela area, the Civil Protection authority reported that more than 1,200 firefighters were working alongside nearly 400 vehicles and 15 aircraft. The response included continued ground efforts and aerial support as teams attempted to slow the fire’s advance, with local and national authorities tracking conditions into the weekend.

Spain and Italy sent reinforcement to Portugal. Spain dispatched 120 firefighters and 45 vehicles, according to figures cited by wire services, and additional firefighting aircraft from Italy and Spain were also deployed to support the operation. Officials have said additional assets are being brought in as the fire remains active and large-scale suppression resources are required.

On the other side of southern Europe, Greek authorities issued public guidance focused on air quality after a fast-moving blaze engulfed a recycling plant on the outskirts of Thessaloniki. The smoke plume prompted authorities to urge residents in parts of the city, the second largest in Greece, to remain indoors and keep windows and doors shut.

Authorities also issued evacuation alerts for three suburbs near the plant and for at least one facility housing people with special needs, which wire service accounts described as housing 157 people. Fire crews, including around 160 firefighters, were deployed through the night as winds fanned the flames, with water-dropping aircraft able to operate later in the morning when conditions improved.

Greek officials also said a 76-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. In the near term, emergency services continued containment efforts at both sites, while local administrations maintained monitoring and public health advisories in areas affected by smoke in and around Thessaloniki.