Fundão, Portugal (August 17, 2025) — A devastating accident has claimed the lives of two Portuguese firefighters and left three others in critical condition after their truck veered off the road and plunged into a ravine while en route to combat a wildfire in the district of Fundão.
The fatal crash occurred Sunday evening around 7 p.m. in the village of São Francisco de Assis, as the firefighting crew rushed to battle a blaze in Quinta do Campo, one of several wildfire fronts threatening central Portugal. According to the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the heavy vehicle lost control on a steep and winding road before tumbling into a valley, leaving behind a scene of destruction.
Emergency teams were dispatched immediately. At least 26 operators, supported by nine emergency vehicles and one aircraft, responded to the crash site. One of the severely injured firefighters had to be airlifted by helicopter due to the critical nature of his injuries. The others were transported by ambulance to nearby hospitals.
Tributes to the Fallen
The ANEPC issued a solemn statement mourning the tragedy and paying tribute to the extraordinary bravery of the nation’s firefighters.
“It is never enough to emphasize the commitment, altruism, and professionalism with which, every day, thousands of firefighters across the country dedicate themselves, with courage and dedication, to defending the population and the forest against fires,” the agency declared.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also expressed his condolences, describing the incident as a “tragic death while serving the community” and praising the courage of those who put their lives at risk to protect others.
Wildfires Rage Across the Country
Portugal has been grappling with relentless wildfires for days, fueled by scorching temperatures and dry winds. Nearly 4,000 firefighters remain on the ground battling seven major blazes in regions including Tabuaço, Trancos, Sirarelhos, Sátão, Arganil, Vilarinho do Monte, and Ermidas do Sado.
The situation has been described as “apocalyptic” by local officials, with dramatic images showing entire hillsides glowing red under fierce flames and thick plumes of smoke. In one chilling photo from Sernancelhe, Viseu district, a home appeared to be completely engulfed as fire consumed the surrounding countryside.
The tragedy comes just days after Carlos Damaso, the former mayor of Guarda, lost his life while attempting to fight wildfires, underscoring the escalating human cost of this year’s fire season.
Broader European Fire Crisis
Portugal is not alone in its struggle. Neighboring Spain and Greece have also faced catastrophic wildfires, with thousands of emergency personnel working non-stop through national holidays to prevent further devastation.
For Portugal, the deaths of these two firefighters mark yet another painful reminder of the extreme risks borne by first responders. As investigations into the crash continue, the country mourns the loss of two of its bravest, while hoping for the recovery of those who continue to fight for their lives.