Several major forest fires have been burning out of control in Portugal. With temperatures due to hit 45 Celsius, there is no respite in sight. About a thousand firefighters have been battling at least ten blazes across the country, which is suffering its worst drought for 60 years.

Overnight, strong winds drove the flames across roads and through firebreaks. Most of the blazes are in the north of the country, in the Porto, Braga and Aveiro districts.

Many areas have moved to a higher level of fire alert, meaning special protection measures for the elderly and the very young.

Portugal's fires have destroyed around 70,000 hectares since the start of the year.

PHOTO CAPTION

Fire-fighters try to put out a forest fire in the outskirts Leiria in central Portugal August 4, 2005. (REUTERS)