Portugal brings 2nd wildfire under control after 64 died

The agency blamed the dynamics of the wildfire itself and atmospheric instability at the time, which created a “downburst” — an unusually strong wind that blows down toward the ground and sprays embers across a broad area.

On Monday, the head of the national judicial police said a lightning strike is believed to have sparked the blaze after investigators found a tree that was struck.

The weather agency’s report was posted on the government’s website late Wednesday along with another report from the National Republic Guard, known by its acronym GNR, a paramilitary police force that patrols rural areas.

Responding to questions why the EN 236-1 road where the deaths occurred was not closed, the GNR report said its officers had “no indication or information” of risk there. It added that there were “difficulties with (all) communications” at the time — presumably a reference to both radio and cellphone links.

It said there were “freakish” weather conditions, with the fire suddenly spreading very quickly, that “took everyone by surprise.”

Amid demands for explanations Interior Minister Constanca Urbano de Sousa, who oversees the emergency services, said it would be “cowardly” for her to resign. She told public broadcaster RTP in an interview that she intends to sort out what went wrong and fix it.

The Civil Protection Agency said Thursday that a wildfire at Gois, about 150 kilometres (95 miles) north of Lisbon, was finally under control. The deadly blaze at Pedrogao Grande, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, was contained Wednesday.

Hundreds of firefighters remain on standby at both fires to prevent them from reigniting. Officials said the two blazes blackened about 40,000 hectares (99,000 acres) of woodland.

Barry Hatton, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Portugal brings 2nd wildfire under control after 64 died

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