- Portuguese radio station TSF says the Interior Ministry has confirmed that 25 people have been killed in forest fires in central Portugal.
Around 500 firefighters and 160 vehicles were dispatched to tackle the blaze, which broke out in the afternoon in the municipality of Pedrogao Grande before spreading.
Costa said that while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire, authorities believe that the high temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days may have played a part.
"The violence of this fire was such that I am certain many people have died", Alves told TVI.
Civilians, and police officers use water buckets to help extinguish a forest fire near houses at Sao Joao Latrao, Funchal, Madeira island, Portugal August 10, 2016. At least 16 people were injured, including five firefighters.
Lobbyist shot is expected to make full recovery
Scalise, the No. 3 House Republican, arrived at the hospital via helicopter in shock, with intense internal bleeding, Sava said. The congressman underwent another surgery Saturday, and the hospital says he is more responsive and speaking with family.
Mr Costa said a period of national mourning would be announced shortly.
Jorge Gomes, the secretary of state for internal affairs, said President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was en route to the site of the tragedy. Two of those were seriously injured.
Firefighters did "all they could" when faced with the blaze, he added.
A number of villages have been evacuated due to the danger but the extent of damage to property is not yet clear.
Portugal was hit by a series of fires previous year which devastated more than 1000 square kilometres of the mainland.
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