Death toll in Portugal wildfire rises to 27

Lisbon [Portugal]: The death toll in the fires that raged across mainland Portugal has risen to 27 amid high temperatures and strong winds fanned by Hurricane Ophelia.

Hurricane Ophelia, which is approaching Europe's western coast, has brought strong winds to fan and spread the flames.

Almost 3,700 firefighters, backed by 1,100 vehicles, were fighting 26 major fires across the country on Monday, local media reports said.

Portugal's central and northern regions of Coimbra, Castelo Branco, Aveiro and Viseu were main regions affected by the wildfires.

Portugal Prime Minister Antonio Costa has declared a state of emergency following the massive spread of fire in the country.

According to some reports, the fires were deliberately set by arsonists and several people had already been identified in connection with the fires.

Earlier in June, at least 64 people were killed and several others injured deadly spate of fires in Portugal.