LISBON, Portugal (AP) — The Latest on Portugal forest fires (all times local):
8:25 a.m.
A Portuguese interior ministry official says that the death toll in the forest fires raging in central Portugal has increased to 39.
Interior Ministry official Jorge Gomes has been quoted as giving the new figure on public broadcaster RTP. Government officials say many of victims died in their cars when flames swept over a road.
About 600 firefighters are fighting blazes that are raging in the Pedrogao Grande area about 150 kilometers (95 miles) northeast of Lisbon.
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This item has been corrected to show that Jorge Gomes is an Interior Ministry official, not interior minister.
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4:35 a.m.
Portuguese radio station TSF says the Interior Ministry has confirmed that 25 people have been killed in forest fires in central Portugal.
Government officials say many of victims died in their cars when flames swept over a road.
About 600 firefighters are fighting blazes that are raging in the Pedrogao Grande area about 150 kilometers (95 miles) northeast of Lisbon.
