LISBON, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires raging across central Portugal's Gardunha mountains have encircled several historic villages, forcing evacuations and leaving others under siege.
Castelo Novo, one of Portugal's officially recognized "12 Historic Villages," known for its medieval ruins, picturesque scenery and cultural vitality that draw visitors year after year, is one of the hardest hit. Although the flames are now largely under control, firefighting crews remain stationed nearby, ready to respond to flare-ups at any moment.
