LISBON, Portugal. – It was the last picture I saw from the fire, despite having to leave my family there, 36-year-old firefighter Helio Madeiras explains, who took this shocking picture he posted on social networks with the aim of warning his family and friends about danger. After taking the photo networks was sent to Oliveira de Frades, at Viseu District, to reinforce the fire fighting.

After being shared thousands of times, the photo has become an iconic image of the country’s devastating wildfires. The black smoke that completely covers the villages fascinates and hypnotizes by its excessive size, which illustrates the dimension of the tragedy shaking Portugal.

Since last Sunday more than 700 fires have been declared what have required the intervention of four thousand firefighters and have caused at least 38 dead.

Taken from Cubadebate