Three days have been declared to mourn the victims of the weird fire that wrecked the municipality of Pedrogao Grande in central Portugal. According to the Prime Minister, Athonio Costa, the fire event is the worse hit in portugal’s history of recent fire disasters. With a number of casualties as high as 62 recorded died already, mostly confirmed roasted in their cars.
“Unfortunately, this seems to be the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires.”
It is reported that the fire broke out, spreading spontaneously across the region. The mass of the fire was so great that about 900 firefighters were fighting the blaze. The Secretary of State for the Interior, Jorge Gomes confirmed that a toll of persons have been claimed by the unfortunate incident.
“It is difficult to say if they were fleeing the flames or were taken by surprise.”
The prime minister however disclosed that “The number of fatalities could still rise. And that the most important thing to do “now is to save those people who could still be in danger.” Coming to rescue the situation, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, has offered firefighting planes to assist the local emergency efforts.
“France has offered three planes through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and they will be quickly sent to assist the local emergency efforts.”
Also reacting to news, Pope Francis has offered his condolence, praying for fortitude to the bereaved land.
“I express my closeness to the beloved people of Portugal following the devastating fire.”
