Death toll in Portugal wildfires soars to 27

[TomSea]

Death toll in Portugal wildfires soars to 27

At least 27 people have died in a series of wildfires in Portugal, the country's civil protection service says.

More than 50 people have been injured.

A spokeswoman for the agency told reporters that firefighters were still tackling 145 separate fires, 32 of which were serious.

Read more at: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41634125

[Fishrrman]

From:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-40341180

Just what makes Portugal such a tinderbox?

Climate and terrain

Portugal, on Europe's south-western edge, is a warm country fanned by strong winds off the Atlantic.

Scientists say climate change has had an impact, extending the "wildfire season" from two to five months. This year, the summer has got off to a hot start, with temperatures already exceeding 40C in areas, and this comes after a dry, warm spring.

====
The bit about "climate change" notwithstanding, sounds similar to the high winds (coming in from the Pacific?) that fan the flames in California...?