In pictures: Portugal forest fire

A deadly wildfire, possibly started by lightning, has swept central Portugal, claiming dozens of lives.

  • A forest in flames during a wildfire near the village of Mega Fundeira, Portugal, 18 June 2017. AFP

    Portugal is observing three days of mourning for dozens of victims of a forest fire in the central forested region of Pedrógão Grande.

  • A wildfire is reflected in a stream at Penela, Coimbra, central Portugal, on June 18, 2017. AFP/Getty Images

    The wildfire seen in Penela, near Coimbra. The blaze is thought to have been started by a lightning strike.

  • A burned car stands next to a forest after a wildfire took dozens of lives on June 18, 2017 near Castanheira de Pera, in Leiria district, Portugal, 18 June 2017. Getty Images

    Many of the dead were found inside cars as they tried to flee.

  • Burnt cars and body bags on the N236 road between Figueiro dos Vinhos and Castanheira de Pera, near Pedrógão Grande., central Portugal, 18 June 2017 EPA

    The prime minister has warned the death toll could rise.

  • Portuguese Republican National Guard soldiers battle with a forest fire in Capela Sao Neitel, Alvaiazere, central Portugal, 18 June 2017. EPA

    Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze on several fronts.

  • A Spanish Canadair firefighting aircraft drops water over the Pedrógão Grande forest fire, in central Portugal, 18 June 2017. EPA

    Spain and France have sent aircraft to help combat the fire

  • A firefighting plane passes smoke as it pulls up from the Zezere River after picking up water to put out forest fires in the area near Pedrógão Grande, June 18 2017. Reuters

    A firefighting plane passes smoke after picking up water from the Zezere river.

  • Firefighters rest during a wildfire at Penela, Coimbra, central Portugal, on 18 June, 2017. AFP/Getty Images

    Firefighters pause as the wildfire continues behind them

  • Local residents react as they are evacuated during a forest fire from the village of Derreada Cimeira, Portugal, 18 June, 2017. Reuters

    The fire has been a harrowing ordeal for the residents.

  • A man stands on the roadside watching a wildfire at Anciao, Leiria, central Portugal, on 18 June 2017. AFP/Getty Images

    Portugal's prime minister said it was "the greatest tragedy we have seen in recent years".

  • A couple stand on the roadside watching firefighters passing by in Figueiro dos Vinhos on 18 June, 2017. AFP

    Eduardo Abreu (R) and Luisilda Malheiro, both 62, lost almost all of the animals on their farm in Figueiro dos Vinhos.

  • A woman sits on a street during a forest fire in Pedrógão Grande, Leiria District, Center of Portugal, 17 June 2017 EPA

    The area affected by the fire is about 200km (125 miles) north-east of the capital, Lisbon.

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