Wildfires in Portugal blamed for at least six deaths as Europe sends aircraft to help

Associated Press

LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Five thousand firefighters are struggling to contain multiple wildfires raging across northern Portugal that are blamed for causing at least six deaths and forcing an unknown number of residents to flee their homes. Some 100 fires reported by national authorities have stretched the firefighting brigades. Three firefighters died in their vehicle on Tuesday. That came after the confirmed deaths of two civilians and one firefighter in previous days. Among the hardest hit areas is the district of Aveiro. European Union co-members Spain, France, Italy and Greece have committed to sending water-dumping aircraft to help.