Around 3,000 firefighters are trying to extinguish more than 500 forest fires across Portugal, using 23 water-dumping aircraft. Eight firefighters have been treated for smoke inhalation.

Large forest fires on the island of Madeira has destroyed at least six homes, and caused the evacuation of more than 400 people.

The northern mainland has been worst hit, where extensive pine and eucalyptus forests haven't seen rain for a while.

Seven fires in the north have been classified as major blazes and out of control.

In Viseu, 180 miles north of Lisbon, a wildfire forced the closure of a major motorway.