10% Of Portugal's Forests Destroyed By Fire In 2003

[hatrack]

Forest fires destroyed at least 330,000 hectares in Portugal, new record

LISBON (AFP) - "Wildfires have destroyed more than 330,000 hectares (815,000 acres) of forest in Portugal since the start of the year, a record figure, according to updated numbers released by Portuguese forestry officials.

EDIT

The previous record ws in 1991, when more than 180,000 hectares were burned, the official told AFP.

The latest estimate, which does not include damaged farmland, still requires final confirmation, the forestry statement said. Some 20,000 to 30,000 hectares of farmland have been swept by fire, a forestry official told a radio station."

EDIT

AFP via Yahoo News