A DAD who moved from Dedham to live in Portugal is fundraising to help those affected by a devastating forest fire.

Nick Maestrani recently moved to Graca, which is just three miles away from where the fire broke out on Saturday.

More than 1,000 firefighters are battling the forest fire in Pedrógão Grande, which has claimed the lives at least 64 people and injured more than 130.

The 61-year-old was coming home from Lisbon when he received a call from a friend alerting him about the fire.

He said: “Before we could reach home we saw the skyline as an orange glow.

“The police had sealed the area and we had to stay in a hotel at Lake Cabril.

“This is an observation point where we were horrified of the dozens of fires.

“The next two days were horrible and the fires are still going, with high winds causing huge problems.

“More than 3,000 men have been on duty for the past four days.

“Communications are a huge problem here and the temperatures soar to 42 de - grees which causes yet more outbreaks.

“The Army have been called in because the fire services need the support. It appears to be an endless battle against the elements.

“People are frightened to N Fundraising - Nick Maestrani with his daughter Louise leave their homes.”

Police believe the fires were started by lightning on Saturday during an intense heatwave and rainless thunderstorms.

Nick and his daughter, Louise Maestrani, 27, who was born in Colchester, have set up a crowdfunding page.

They hope to get donations to support the fire service at Pedrogao Grande and Fugueiro Dos Vinhos.

Louise hopes to get some donations to the locals to help re-plant crops and buy animals to support the local farms.

To support their appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lmaestrani.