Lisbon, Aug. 25, 2025 (Lusa) - The foreign aircraft operating in Portugal to fight forest fires under the European Civil Protection Mechanism will remain in the country until Friday, according to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).

According to ANEPC sources, the two medium-sized Fire Boss aeroplanes from Sweden and the two heavy-duty Greek Canadair aeroplanes will remain until Friday, 29 August, and these four aircraft, also operating under the European support mechanism, are expected to return to their countries of origin on Saturday, 30th.

The French Super Puma helicopter left Monte Real Air Base today, after finishing its mission in Portugal on Sunday, where it had been operating since the 20th under the European Civil Protection Mechanism, activated by Portugal on 15 August.

Portugal also had two Moroccan Canadairs fighting the fires, but under a bilateral cooperation protocol.

Also under the European mechanism, firefighters from Malta remain in Portugal.

Between 1 and 15 August, a contingent of around 20 firefighters from Latvia was stationed in Trancoso, and since the 16th a team from Malta, also with around 20 details, has been stationed in Almeirim, in two shifts: from 16 to 31 August and from 1 to 15 September, according to the European Commission.

Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large rural fires since July, especially in the North and Centre.

The fires have killed four people, including a firefighter, and injured several, some seriously, and have totally or partially destroyed first and second homes, as well as agricultural and livestock holdings and forest areas.

According to provisional official figures, by 23 August, around 250,000 hectares had burned in the country, more than 57,000 of which in the fire that started in Arganil alone.

IMA/ADB // ADB.

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