Firefighters tackling deadly wildfires in central and northern Portugal had doused the flames in the Aveiro district, one of the worst-hit, as of Thursday, and were focusing on eight large blazes still raging elsewhere.

More than 100 wildfires are stretching thousands of firefighters to the limit in northern Portugal. The country’s worst spate of fires in recent years is blamed for seven deaths since they spread out of control over the weekend.

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.