An earlier report from local officials said a Canadair plane crashed in the mountainous region of Pedrogao Grande while trying to exinguish the devastating blaze.
- UPDATE 1823 UTC Secretary of State Jorge Gomes confirms that no plane has crashed in Pedrógão.
- UPDATE 1812 UTC The National Civil Protection Authority says none of the planes contracted by Portugal are missing. A search and rescue operation was launched but the crash is not confirmed.
- UPDATE 1802 UTC Media report authorities were able to contact all planes fighting the fires.
First reports from local officials said the aircraft came down near the village of Louriceira, where the infero is at its most fierce.
Portugese newspaper Correio da Manha has reported the pilot was English, although this has yet to be confirmed.
More than 1,000 firefighters on the ground and aircraft from several countries are battling the blazes.
The fires have claimed the lives of at least 64 people and injured more than 130 since Saturday.
The week’s highest temperatures in the area are expected to reach about 38C (100F) and, together with windy conditions, could reignite fires that have already been brought under control.
