According to the Civil Protection Authority, at least 135 people have been injured since the wildfires began, and about 800 people have been evacuated from their homes.[39] A pilot died when his waterbombing plane crashed in Vila Nova de Foz Côa while combating wildfires in the region.[12] At least 238 people died because of the heat,[40] with 187 injuries.[41] By July 17, the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health reported some 659 excess deaths related to the heat wave.[42]