At least 60 people have been killed in huge forest fires in central Portugal, many dying in their cars as they tried to flee the flames. Portugal’s prime minister, António Costa, described the blazes – which have injured dozens more people – as “the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years in terms of forest fires”, and warned the death toll could rise. Three days of national mourning were declared.Several hundred firefighters and 160 vehicles were dispatched late on Saturday to tackle the fire, which broke out in the municipality of Pedrógão Grande before spreading fast.

Spain dispatched two water-bombing planes on Sunday morning to aid the Portuguese fire service, while France sent three aircraft. The Spanish prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, promised to provide any assistance necessary, tweeting: “Stunned by the tragedy in Pedrógão Grande. The Portuguese people can depend on our solidarity, support and affection.” The Iberian peninsular is sweltering under a severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40C (104F) in some regions. About 60 forest fires took hold across Portugal on Saturday night, with 1,700 firefighters battling to put them out.(guardian)…[+]