Hundreds of Portuguese firefighters are working around the clock to contain a devastating wildfire that has swept through parts of the southern coast of the Atlantic island of Madeira, a popular tourist destination. The blaze, which began Wednesday In an isolated rural area of Ribeira Brava, it has spread to the neighbouring municipality of Câmara de Lobos and now extends on three fronts.
Despite the efforts of nearly 200 firefighters supported by 38 vehicles, high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds made it difficult to fight the fire. A helicopter was also deployed to fight the fire, but had to suspend operations as night fell. The situation is particularly difficult due to the remoteness and lack of access.
No injuries or deaths were reported.
Fortunately, no injuries or deaths have been reported so far, although 160 people have been evacuated as a precaution. The president of the Madeira regional government, Miguel Albuquerque, has expressed concerns about the cause of the fire, saying it is likely to have a criminal origin in an inaccessible area.
A regional alert has been issued.
The entire Madeira coast has been placed on orange alert, the second highest level, until Monday due to soaring temperatures. Temperatures in Madeira have reached 30 degrees Celsius in recent days, with strong winds fanning the fires and forcing dozens of flights to be cancelled.
Portugal sent a force of 76 firefighters from the mainland to Madeira on Saturday, and the neighbouring Azores archipelago sent 15 firefighters on Sunday evening.
Highlights
• Hundreds of Portuguese firefighters battle forest fire in Madeira.
• The fire has spread to part of the southern coast of the island.
• No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
• A regional alert has been issued due to high temperatures and strong winds.
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