Government of Spain sends resources to support Portugal in combating the serious fire in Pedrógão Grande

The Directorate General of Defence Policy confirms the immediate departure of the two Canadair planes, operated by the Spanish Air Force, from the bases in Matacán and Torrejón.

Portugal activates Bilateral Protocol

Given the gravity of the situation, Portugal has activated the Bilateral Protocol signed with Spain on Civil Protection and Fighting Wildfires. Portugal has also requested a fire fighting module with aircraft (a team of two fire fighting aircraft and the necessary crew members) under the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union, whereby the Directorate General of Civil Protection and Emergencies is the point of contact in our country.

In response to this request, Spain has offered a module comprised of two amphibious aircraft with a load capacity of 3,500 litres each, from the Regional Government of Castile La Mancha, which has been accepted and is on standby to immediately depart as and when necessary.

The Spanish Minister for Home Affairs, Juan Ignacio Zoido, conveyed the following message through his Twitter account: "All our affection and solidarity with the victims of the fire".