Putin Sends Condolences to Portugal’s President Over Deadly Fires

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered condolences to his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa over the deadly forest fires that claimed the lives of dozens of people, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Saturday, the extremely hot weather in Portugal led to the outbreak of a blaze in the municipality of Pedrogao Grande, about 200 kilometers (124 miles) away from Lisbon. The flames quickly spread in four different directions, damaging several settlements.

According to Portugal's Secretary of State of Internal Administration Jorge Gomes, at least 62 people died and 54 others were injured as a result of the wildfire.

"The president also sent a telegram to the president of Portugal, offering condolences on the tragic outcome of the natural disasters – the wildfires that claimed dozens of lives," Peskov told reporters.

Over 760 people, including military servicemen, and some 240 vehicles, as well as six aircraft are taking part in attempts to extinguish the fire.

Russia's Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Vladimir Puchkov sent a telegram to Portugal on Monday offering assistance in battling the deadly wildfires. Puchkov expressed condolences to de Sousa in connection with the loss of 62 lives in the outbreak on Saturday.

"The forces and means of the Russian Emergencies Ministry are ready to help in the fight against wildfires."