Only one fire is considered under control and three firefighters have died so far.

Despite adverse weather conditions -- high temperatures of 40^oC and low humidity -- the government will not "stop fighting" according to a statement from Rui Pereira, Minister of Home Affairs.

The cause of the fires is still under investigation. 13 people have been arrested in connection to the fires.

Almost 9,000 forest fires have burned in Portugal this year, devastating about 19,000 hectares.