Thousands evacuated as heat causes wildfires in Europe and north Africa

A volunteer trying to prevent a forest fire from reaching houses in the village of Casal da Quinta, outside Leiria, central Portugal. Photograph: João Henriques/AP

Thousands of people in Portugal, Spain, France and Morocco have been evacuated from their homes as firefighters tackle wildfires caused by this week’s heatwave, which has brought extreme temperatures of more than 45C (113F) to parts of Europe and north Africa.

One person has died and at least 135 people have suffered mainly minor injuries since wildfires began in Portugal last week. A “state of contingency” has been in effect since Sunday, and about 800 people have been evacuated from their homes, according to the country’s Civil Protection Authority.