Wildfires in the Portuguese island of Madeira have reached the capital Funchal on Thursday, killing three elderly people and leaving more than 300 injured.
A forest watchman was killed on the mainland during the night when one of more than 100 blazes engulfed the caravan he was sleeping in 150km (95 miles) north of Lisbon.
As the emergency continues in Madeira, Portugal sought help to deal with about 186 wildfires on the mainland, including 14 major blazes.
The national government invoked the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which allows other European states to help.
Almost 4,500 firefighters were deployed in a massive operation. They were supported by 28 water-dumping aircraft and 1,300 vehicles.
Miguel Albuquerque, the head of Madeira's regional government, said officials suspect that fire was started deliberately and police have made two arrests.
A thousand people have been evacuated from homes and hotels.
People are taking to social media to share pictures of the Madeira fire with the hashtag#PrayForPortugal:
spoke to my mum, she was so scared. she told me about neighbours who lost their houses & pets#PrayForPortugal
Everyone please retweet this post to raise awareness let people know that this is happening! #PrayForPortugal
My beautiful country is sadly under fire#PrayForPortugal#Portugal
I can barely breath #PrayForPortugal
We are literally being burned down to the ground we need some serious help #PrayForPortugal
before and after #PrayForPortugal
Many praised the effort of firefighters risking their lives to battle the blaze:
This is heartbreaking they are exhausted tired but don t give up!!#PrayForPortugal let s given support please RT
Those firefighters are heroes. #PrayForPortugal
Italy already released a Canadair aircraft to join the effort and people thank them for the effort:
Italy and Morocco are sending airplanes to help fight the fires. thank you#PrayForPortugal
Others complained about lack of coverage by mainstream news organisations:
Portuguese people lost their nature, homes, families and animals. Where is the media coverage?#PrayForPortugal
Everyone should take a moment to read this. #PrayForPortugal
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
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