Thousands of firefighters tackling deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal had largely doused the flames in the Aveiro district, one of the worst-hit, as of Thursday morning, and were focusing on a dozen blazes still raging elsewhere.

Portuguese authorities have detained 14 suspected arsonists linked to deadly wildfires. These fires have claimed lives and devastated vast areas. Experts highlight rural neglect and economic motives behind the arson.

Portugal has brought under control the remaining forest fires it battled this week in the north of the country, rescuers said on Friday.More than 120,000 hectares across Portugal had been burnt by wildfires since the start of the year,