Summary:
6.4% of Madeira Island has been scorched by wildfires in a week.
The fire has burned over 5,000 hectares since it started on August 14.
Emergency authorities face criticism for their handling of the wildfire situation.
Over 400 firefighters and various emergency personnel are involved in the firefighting efforts.
Tourists are evacuating as the fire continues to pose a threat.
Wildfires on Madeira Island
A massive forest fire on the southern coast of Madeira, Portugal, has devastated over 5,000 hectares (approximately 12,355 acres), accounting for 6.4% of the island's total area in just one week. The fire ignited on August 14 and continues to burn out of control, raising alarms in coastal regions like Camara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol, as well as the Pico Ruivo mountainous area.
Emergency Response and Criticism
The European Forest Fire Information System confirms the extensive damage caused by the fire. The Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) has come under fire from unions and opposition parties for its handling of the crisis. In response, a 60-member special unit has been deployed to assist with firefighting efforts.
Currently, over 400 firefighters, 120 forest police, 200 civil protection personnel, along with 40 vehicles and one aircraft are engaged in combating the blaze.
Government Statements
Miguel Albuquerque, president of Madeira's regional government, reassured the public that the fire is burning in hard-to-reach areas outside residential zones, stating, “There is no threat to the population, homes, or infrastructure. The intervention so far has been appropriate.”
As a precaution, many tourists have evacuated from the island due to the ongoing fire.
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