Portuguese Fires Ravage Forests
Forest fires which have raged through Portugal over the past six weeks have burnt down nearly 5% of the countryside, including up to 10% of its forests, according to the country's forestry service. Officials said 336,000 hectares (840,000 acres) of forest, scrub and farmland had been...
Forest fires which have raged through Portugal over the past six weeks have burnt down nearly 5% of the countryside, including up to 10% of its forests, according to the country's forestry service.
Officials said 336,000 hectares (840,000 acres) of forest, scrub and farmland had been reported consumed by the flames but they suspected that the true figure was nearer 400,000 hectares.
The fires also claimed the lives of 18 people, with more than 80 families forced to leave home.
Heat that turned undergrowth into crisp tinder and lightning strikes were to blame for much of the damage. But some fires were believed to have been started by arsonists who may have been seeking insurance or compensation money. Police have arrested more than 70 people.
Officials said 336,000 hectares (840,000 acres) of forest, scrub and farmland had been reported consumed by the flames but they suspected that the true figure was nearer 400,000 hectares.
The fires also claimed the lives of 18 people, with more than 80 families forced to leave home.
Heat that turned undergrowth into crisp tinder and lightning strikes were to blame for much of the damage. But some fires were believed to have been started by arsonists who may have been seeking insurance or compensation money. Police have arrested more than 70 people.
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