Firefighters continue to battle wildfires on the Iberian peninsula as international aircraft come to their assistance. <br /><br /> Portugal<br /><br /> In the first nine days of August, the blazes burned through 62,000 acres across Portugal. <br /><br /> Four people have lost their lives. On the island of Madeira 200 homes were destroyed and hundreds were evacuated.<br /><br /> A the fires come amid a heatwave and were fanned by strong winds.<br /><br /> International Assistance<br /><br /> Joining the fight against the fire, two Russian Beriev Be-200 Altair planes are scheduled to begin operations.<br /><br /> In just a few seconds the aircraft can collect up to 12.5 tonnes of water to be dropped on the flames.<br /><br /> PORTUGAL – Firefighters watch the progression of wildfire at Calheta in Madeira island. By Patricia De Melo Moreira pic.twitter.com/9aDspapzvN— AFP Photo Department (@AFPphoto) August 13, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> Spain<br /><br /> In Spain, the northwestern region of Galicia the situation has improved since a series of wildfires burned throughout the week.<br /><br /> Porto do Son remained on high alert due to the fire’s proximity to populated areas. <br /><br /> Two large fires were stabilised in Laza and Avión, while ten others are now under control.<br /><br /> BrifTineo en #porto do son #Galicia pic.twitter.com/jhrywXYzaw— Brif Tineo (BrifTineo) August 11, 2016<br />
