Summary:
The Madeira wildfires have now entered their ninth day.
Spain has sent two Canadair aircraft to assist in firefighting efforts.
The Ponta do Sol, Pico das Torres, and Pico Ruivo fronts are currently active.
There were unfavorable developments overnight, with the fire advancing significantly.
Colonel António Nunes hopes for improved conditions with aerial support to combat the fire.
Ongoing Battle Against Wildfires in Madeira
The fight against the wildfires in Madeira has entered its ninth day, with two Canadair aircraft from Spain joining the efforts through the European Civil Protection Mechanism starting this Thursday. Here’s the latest on the situation:
Fire Progression and Challenges
In an interview on Thursday's Bom Dia Portugal, António Nunes, the president of Madeira's Civil Protection, reported that in addition to the fronts at Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo, the Ponta do Sol front remains active.
“It is progressing halfway up the slope, an area inaccessible to operational teams. We need to monitor from above the stream and allow the fire to progress to a lower area so we can intervene,” he explained.
During the night, there were “some unfavorable developments” with the fire significantly advancing on the eastern slope of Pico das Torres, moving down into an inaccessible area towards Fajã das Nogueiras, near the hydroelectric plant.
“We will assess in the morning, now with aerial support, to try to control this eastern front. In the northern area, the fire has also advanced towards Caldeirão do Inferno, already within the Laurissilva forest, which is somewhat delaying its progress due to the forest type, but it is still advancing,” Colonel António Nunes continued.
He expressed hope that the Canadair aircraft from Spain would help accelerate firefighting efforts. “We can use fresh water, but we will need to see what the weather and wind conditions are,” he cautioned.
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