Summary:
Curral das Freiras fire declared extinguished as of 9:00 AM today.
New threats emerge at Pico Ruivo with ongoing firefighting efforts.
Over 30 vehicles and 100 operatives deployed in the firefighting response.
Approximately 200 residents advised to evacuate; many have since returned.
Investigation underway into the fire's causes, with indications of possible arson.
Current Situation of the Madeira Wildfire
The wildfire that erupted on Tuesday in Curral das Freiras, located in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, has been officially declared extinguished as of 9:00 AM today. However, the fire at Pico Ruivo remains a significant concern for the operational teams, as indicated by the Civil Protection authorities.
In a status update released at that time, the Regional Civil Protection Service (SRPC) confirmed that teams are still on-site in Curral das Freiras to conduct active monitoring and prevent any rekindling of the fire.
Fire Severity and Response
During this ongoing rural fire, which has persisted for a week, there were critical moments of anxiety as flames encroached upon residential areas. The fire was particularly aggressive overnight, necessitating the evacuation of a bedridden individual. The SRPC noted that the most troubling focus is now in the central mountain range between the highlands of Curral das Freiras and Pico Ruivo, where the fire is consuming an increasingly larger area in hard-to-access zones, complicating firefighting efforts.
Continued Efforts and Support
This morning, SRPC President António Nunes reported to Lusa that the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority has been requested to send additional personnel from the mainland, expected to arrive today. Aerial resources have also been deployed to combat the flames at Pico Ruivo, which is the fourth municipality affected by this wildfire.
In addition to firefighters, continuous support is being provided by the Regional Command for Emergency Operations, the Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation, along with regional police forces.
Fire Statistics and Evacuations
As of 9:00 AM, there were over 30 vehicles and more than 100 operatives on the ground, including members of the Special Civil Protection Force and firefighters from the Azores. On Tuesday, three firefighters required medical assistance due to exhaustion, with two being treated at Nélio Mendonça Hospital in Funchal and released shortly after.
The rural fire in Madeira ignited on August 14, spreading to Câmara de Lobos on Thursday and to Ponta do Sol by the weekend. Over the past eight days, authorities have advised nearly 200 residents to evacuate their homes for safety, although many have returned, except for those in Fajã das Galinhas and Furna.
Despite challenges posed by winds and high temperatures, there have been no reports of damage to homes or essential infrastructure. The European Forest Fire Information System reports approximately 4,392 hectares burned as of noon on Tuesday. The Judicial Police are investigating the fire's origins, with the regional president Miguel Albuquerque suggesting it may have been arson.
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