© EPA-EFE
A forest fire has destroyed at least 5,000 hectares of nature on the Portuguese island of Madeira in five days, the Portuguese authorities reported on Monday. Two of the three still active fires are now said to be under control.
Source: BELGA
Monday, August 19, 2024 at 1:05 PM
The fire broke out last Wednesday in the town of Ribeira Brava and then spread to neighbouring Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol, located on the southern coast of the island – west of the regional capital Funchal.
“So far, there have been no casualties, no homes destroyed by the flames and no essential infrastructure damaged,” regional president Miguel Albuquerque said at a news conference Sunday evening.
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The fire spread across mountainous areas that are difficult to access. The fire was fanned by the wind and the heat. Nearly 200 firefighters were deployed to fight the fire. On Sunday, some 160 people had to leave their homes as a precaution. In the meantime, they were able to return safely. (Continue reading below the photo)
© EPA-EFE
The mayor of Câmara de Lobos, Leonel Silva, told local media on Monday morning that the two active fires in his municipality are under control. “The situation is manageable and the fire is almost out,” he said.
In the municipality of Ponta do Sol, one fire remains active, but according to Mayor Célia Pessegueiro it poses no threat to residents.
On Saturday, the government in Lisbon announced it would send 76 firefighters and rescue workers to Madeira to help fight the fire. The island, which is gaining popularity among tourists, is located off the coast of Morocco.