Rheine’s twin town Leiria in Portugal also affected by forest fires
LEIRIA. A very dry spring and the heat wave of the past weeks are causes for massive forest fires in Portugal. Rheine’s twin city Leiria has also been considerably affected for days. In the meantime, 3000 hectares of forest have been destroyed. Mayor of Gonçalo Lopez spoke of “a trail of devastation” left by the fire over the past few days.Many residents in outlying areas had been evacuated as a precaution, so thank God no lives have been lost yet. “We have achieved the main goal of protecting our population. 90 percent of the flames are currently under control,” Mayor Gonçalo Lopes said Wednesday.Currently, there was a front between Crasto and Portela do Outeiro, which was fought by nearly 470 firefighters, he said. At times, the highway between Porto and Lisbon had to be closed.On Wednesday, the thermometer rises again well above the 40-degree mark the forest fire risk remains high in Portugal. Mayor Gonzalo Lopez called on the population to be vigilant and avoid all risky behaviors. “We urge them to follow the guidelines of civil defense and safety authorities,” Lopes addressed the population in an appeal.
