EU firefighting planes to help tackle Portugal wildfires

Around 1,500 firefighters were battling blazes across the country on Monday, Portuguese officials said. The country already owns 30 water bombers, but authorities said the complex situation required additional support.

France has agreed to deploy two water bombers, the French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin has said. Officials in Lisbon expect two more to arrive on Monday from Spain.

“This is EU solidarity at its best,” Ms von der Leyen said, hailing the four states for showing such rapid support.

So far 18 people have been injured by the blazes, including several who have received treatment.

One firefighter has died due to “sudden illness”, according to Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias.

Temperatures in Portugal exceeded 30C (86F) over the weekend and are expected to remain high for days.

“The situation is not out of control, but it is very complex.

Today will be a difficult day, and so will tomorrow,” national civil protection commander Andre Fernandes said.

He plans to keep for now the red alert for hot weather currently in place across mainland Portugal.