1 of 9
Firefighters are using helicopters and planes to try to douse the fires - the worst in Portugal for years

2 of 9
Planes from Italy and Morocco have also joined the battle...

3 of 9
... while people on the ground have been forced to resort to more primitive - and desperate - measures

4 of 9
Thousands of acres of land have been devastated by the flames

5 of 9
Some 3,000 firefighters are battling to contain the fires, and at least one has been killed

6 of 9
The ferocity of the fires has led to several deaths and injuries. This woman is wheeled to safety by firemen ...

7 of 9
... while this elderly woman had to be carried to safety after she was hurt attempting to rescue her flock of sheep

8 of 9
Temperatures have dropped, but there has still been no rain to lessen the ferocity of the fires

9 of 9
Officials say it is impossible to estimate the extent of the damage to property and livelihoods