In addition to these two heavy aircraft from Spain, two other aircraft from France are also expected to arrive in Portugal, according to the MAI.

A source from the Civil Protection Department told Lusa that Italy and Greece have also expressed their willingness to support Portugal, with two aircraft each, bringing the total number of aircraft that can arrive in Portugal through the European Civil Protection Mechanism to eight.

The reinforcement of these eight fire-fighting aircraft comes after the request made to the European Union, at a time when several fires are raging in the country, especially in the district of Aveiro.

On Sunday, the government declared a state of alert for the entire mainland until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday due to the increased risk of rural fires.

The MAI source also told Lusa that the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Paulo Ribeiro, is monitoring the situation at the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC).

According to the latest ANEPC report, by the end of this morning, there were 36 active fires, which had mobilised more than 2,100 operatives, supported by 645 vehicles and 32 aircraft.


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