Madeira Battles Wildfire: Hundreds of Firefighters Mobilized
A wildfire on Madeira's south coast has prompted the evacuation of 160 people. Firefighters face challenges from strong winds and high temperatures as they combat the blaze suspected to be caused by arson.
On August 18, 2024, a significant wildfire continues to rage on the south coast of Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago renowned for its subtropical climate and natural beauty. The blaze, which began five days earlier in a remote area of Ribeira Brava, has since expanded to the neighboring municipality of Camara de Lobos.
Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by 38 vehicles, are actively combating the flames. The firefighting efforts face substantial challenges due to adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds. These factors have complicated attempts to contain the fire, which now has three active fronts.
Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira, expressed his belief that the fire was the result of arson. He stated, > "This fire, which is very dangerous, I have no doubt it was caused by arson in an inaccessible area where air support could not operate."
As a precautionary measure, authorities have evacuated 160 residents from affected areas. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported thus far.
Madeira, known for its unique system of water channels called levadas, is facing an orange alert along its entire coastline until August 19, 2024. This second-highest alert level has been issued due to the high temperatures, which have reached 30 degrees Celsius (86°F) in recent days. The strong winds fanning the flames have also led to numerous flight cancellations at Madeira Airport, which is already known for its challenging landing conditions.
In response to the crisis, mainland Portugal dispatched 76 firefighters to the island on August 17, 2024. Additionally, 15 firefighters from the Azores archipelago are scheduled to arrive on the evening of August 18, 2024, to provide further support.
Madeira, discovered by Portuguese sailors in the 15th century, is home to approximately 250,000 people and attracts over 1 million visitors annually. The islands are famous for their Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and unique flora and fauna. The current wildfire poses a significant threat to this delicate ecosystem and the island's tourism industry.
As firefighters continue their efforts to control the blaze, the situation remains critical. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of the fire's impact on Madeira's landscape and communities.
