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Forest fires continue to scorch Portugal. This past week, Portugal officials requested
aid through the European Civil Protection Mechanism to assist, as all of the nation’s
personnel had already been sent to extinguish numerous forest fires. By Wednesday, July
28, the National Civil Protection Authority had recorded at least 15 forest fires still
burning across the country, with more than 1,000 personnel working to contain the blazes.
The fires have been spurred on by low humidity levels, strong winds, and temperatures reaching
record highs of 40 degrees Celsius. In response to Portugal’s urgent requests for help,
fellow European Union members Italy, Greece and France have sent two water planes each,
in addition to assistance that Spain had already contributed in the Viseu and Braga regions.
Our appreciation, all firefighters, European Union neighbors and other personnel working
together to put out the flames. We pray for the protection of all in the region and that
stability may soon be restored through our more benevolent stewardship of the planet�