Wildfires fanned by high winds burned out of control across Portugal today as the country suffered its worst drought in years.

TWO Canadair water tank planes from France and one from Spain arrived in Portugal yesterday afternoon to help fight more than 60 wildfires gripping the country from north to south, firefighters said.

Portugal has asked the European Union for help in fighting massive fires after more than 50 blazes burned through forests and farmland across the country.