Portugal wildfires see thousands of people evacuated amid 46C heatwave

Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal where 1,400 people have been evacuated in a 46C heatwave.

The wildfire started on Saturday in the Odemira region on the west coast but it has since spread south towards the tourist hotspot of the Algarve.

Nine have reportedly been injured as a result of the fire.

High temperatures and strong winds have continued into Tuesday with two active fronts of the fire have now been confirmed – with one spreading towards the picturesque Monchique village.

Three districts, Braganca, Castelo Branco and Guarda, are currently on red alert for extreme heat. Authorities say that more than 120 Portuguese districts, including Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve, are at maximum risk of wildfires.

Around 850 firefighters have been out battling the large blaze in the Alentejo region, with planes carrying water dousing the flames from above.

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