The latest death was that of a fireman who had been being treated in hospital in Coimbra, he said.

The fire in Pedrógão Grande is the one that was using by far the most resources on Monday afternoon, according to information on the website of the National Civil Protection Authority (ANPC).

Fourteen aircraft were being used to fight the fire, as well as 1,139 fire fighters and 373 fire engines, according to the data on the site.

In all there were five major fires burning in Castelo Branco, Coimbra and Leiria districts, with a total of 2,137 fire fighters in action, 667 vehicles and 21 aircraft.