A firefighter works to fight a wildfire on a slope outside the town of Ferreira do Zezere, near Vila de Rei, central Portugal, Monday, Aug. 14 2017. Portuguese officials say 112 people have been evacuated from their homes in the central town of Vila de Rei as more than 3,700 firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
LISBON, Portugal (AP) - Portuguese officials say 3,000 firefighters are struggling to put out more than 150 raging wildfires in Portugal, as persistent hot and dry weather stoke the flames.
In one case, more than 800 firefighters supported by air units are concentrating Tuesday on extinguishing a large blaze near the central town of Vila dei Rei.
Portuguese public television RTP showed images of towering flames illuminating the night which by morning had left large swathes of scorched forest near the town, where authorities evacuated 112 people Monday.
Civil Protection Agency spokeswoman Patricia Gaspar said Tuesday that 55 people had been injured, including four with serious injuries, in Portugal since Aug. 9.
Portugal has been especially hard hit by wildfires this year because of a drought. The worst outbreak killed 64 people in June.
Firefighters battle a wildfire on a slope outside the town of Ferreira do Zezere, near Vila de Rei, central Portugal, Monday, Aug. 14, 2017. Portuguese officials say 112 people have been evacuated from their homes in the central town of Vila de Rei as more than 3,700 firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Fire burns by the side of the road linking Vila de Rei and Abrantes, central Portugal, as night falls Monday, Aug. 14 2017. Portuguese officials say 112 people have been evacuated from their homes in the central town of Vila de Rei as more than 3,700 firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Two cyclists stop by the road on the hills outside Ferreira do Zezere, central Portugal, as a huge cloud of smoke rises in the direction of Vila de Rei, Monday, Aug. 14 2017. Portuguese officials say 112 people have been evacuated from their homes in the central town of Vila de Rei as more than 3,700 firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press