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Bulldozer Operator Killed in Wildfires Ravaging Portugal
20 Aug
Summary
- 65-year-old man killed by his own bulldozer while fighting wildfires
- Over 216,000 hectares burned, 2.3% of Portugal's land destroyed
- 2 firefighters killed, 130+ injured in ongoing wildfire crisis
As of August 20th, 2025, Portugal is facing a devastating wildfire crisis that has claimed multiple lives and left a significant portion of the country's land charred. According to the latest reports, a 65-year-old man was killed in a tragic accident while operating a bulldozer to fight the fast-moving flames. The incident occurred in Mirandela, in the north of the country, where the man fell from his machine and was run over as he tried to escape the blaze.
The wildfires have been raging since late July, with the northern and central regions of Portugal being the hardest hit. In total, more than 216,000 hectares have been burned, accounting for 2.3% of the country's total land area. The crisis has also claimed the lives of two firefighters, who died when their truck plunged into a ravine while rushing to tackle a fire. Over 130 people, many of them emergency workers, have been injured in the ongoing battle against the flames.
The situation in Portugal has been described as "under enormous attack, with absolutely incalculable losses" by the mayor of Vila Real. The country's Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has urged residents to "exercise extreme caution" as critical moments and difficult hours remain in the fight against the wildfires.
