Firefighter dies in Portugal after fire engine plunges into ravine on call out

At least one firefighter has sadly died after the fire ngine plunged into a ravine while on its way to an emergency call out.

The tragic incident happened at around 7pm on Sunday, August 17 in the village of São Francisco de Assis as the crew rushed to tackle a blaze in Quinta do Campo, Fundão. Portugal is battling hundreds of raging wildfires that have swept across the country in recent weeks, part of a wave of deadly blazes scorching southern Europe.

It has been reported that the fire engine veered off the road and crashed into a ravine. According to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), 26 operators were mobilized to the accident scene, supported by nine vehicles and an aircraft.

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In a post on Facebook the The Portuguese Firefighters League wrote: "The League of Portuguese Firefighters (LBP) regrets the death of a firefighter from the Covilhã Volunteers and the serious injuries caused to the remaining elements, who were victims of the overturned vehicle in which they were going to fight the fires.

"The LBP will soon make a statement, but sends a strong hug of condolences to the family of the deceased firefighter and to the Covilhã Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association."

Nearly 4,000 firefighters have been deployed across Portugal, backed by aircraft and emergency teams from neighbouring Spain, to fight the wildfires. The government has extended its high-risk alert, warning that more blazes could flare as searing heat and strong winds continue.

Elsewhere, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Italy and Bulgaria have all seen hot temperatures and huge wildfires sweep across their countries this summer so far.

The Mirror has contacted The Portuguese Firefighters League (Liga dos Bombeiros Portugueses), represents both volunteer and professional fire brigades in Portugal, for more information.