Soutelo, Portugal - September 19, 2024

In a relentless battle against the wildfires ravaging Portugal, the second day of operations saw two Canadair aircraft from Italy's Corpo Nazionale dei Vigili del Fuoco once again taking to the skies, targeting the fierce blazes near Soutelo. This international firefighting mission, part of the broader European effort to combat the devastating fires, underscores the severity of the situation in Portugal, where flames have claimed lives and scorched vast landscapes.

The Canadair, with their distinctive red and white coloring, have become symbols of hope in the sky over Portugal. Videos captured by local residents and shared widely on social platforms depict these aircraft executing precise water drops directly onto the fire lines. The sight of water cascading from the sky provides momentary relief and a visible strategy against the uncontrollable spread of the fires.

The wildfires, which have been raging across northern Portugal, have resulted in tragic losses, with at least ten fatalities reported, painting a grim picture of nature's fury. The response from the European community has been swift, recognizing the scale of the disaster that threatens not just Portugal but echoes the increasing frequency of such events across the continent.