The EU executive said that after the Portuguese authorities activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance with forest fires in the country, Brussels helped mobilise support for the second time this Saturday, and contribiutions arrived from Spain.

"Spain has offered more than 120 firefighters, 27 vehicles and three firefighters that are operating in affected areas," spokeswoman Annika Breidthardt said at the Commission's daily press conference.

In a statement released in Brussels, the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said that "helping Portugal at this moment is a priority for the EU" and thanked the Spanish authorities for their prompt response to the Portuguese request for assistance.

"Our Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Brussels, which continuously monitors natural disasters, is in constant contact with the Portuguese civil protection authorities and following all developments. Let me praise all those who are fighting this scourge, in Portugal and throughout Europe. They are facing a very difficult summer and their dedication and courage are an example for everyone," he said.

On Saturday night, when a new maximum number of fires occurred, with 268 alight, Portugal once again triggered the European Civil Protection Mechanism, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Constança Urbano de Sousa, told Lusa that it was a "matter of prudence," taking into account the weather forecasts for the coming days.

The European Civil Protection Mechanism is a Community mechanism to facilitate cooperation in civil protection as a pool of resources that States provide for civil protection situations.

Currently, the European Commission pays for 85% of transport costs to countries offering support through the Civil Protection Mechanism.

The mechanism was triggered during the June fire in Pedrógão Grande and was recently also triggered by countries including France and Italy, the minister said, adding that Portugal has also supported other countries through the mechanismie. after earthquakes in Italy and Turkey, which is not part of the European Union, but is included in the mechanism).