Summary:
Tourists are ignoring closed hiking trails amid ongoing wildfires in Madeira.
The IFCN has limited resources for enforcing trail closures, focusing on fire combat.
Fourteen hiking trails and four recreational areas are currently closed for safety.
Authorities have advised nearly 200 residents to evacuate, with many returning home.
The Judicial Police is investigating potential arson as the cause of the wildfires.
Tourists Ignoring Safety Measures Amid Madeira Wildfire
The president of the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) in Madeira, Manuel Filipe, has reported that tourists are still using closed hiking trails, despite the ongoing wildfire crisis. He acknowledged that there are insufficient resources to enforce the closure of these paths, as efforts are concentrated on fighting the fires.
Filipe emphasized the importance of adhering to the closure rules for the safety of individuals and the overall system, stating that emergency services are strained and cannot respond effectively if someone gets into trouble on these trails.
Current Situation of Hiking Trails
As a precautionary measure, fourteen classified hiking trails and four recreational areas have been closed due to the wildfire, which has been affecting the island since Wednesday. The trails that are currently closed include:
- Vereda da Ilha
- Pico Ruivo
- Lagoa do Vento
- Pico Fernandes
- Túnel do Cavalo
- Câmara de Carga do Rabaçal
- Palha Carga
- Levadas das 25 Fontes
- Velha do Rabaçal
- Risco
- Alecrim
- Paul II
- Rocha Vermelha
- Caminho do Pináculo
- Folhadal
Additionally, the recreational areas of Fonte do Bispo, Cruzinhas, Fanal, and Rabaçal are also off-limits, with authorities advising against travel in the mountainous regions.
Wildfire Impact and Response
The wildfire, which began in the Ribeira Brava mountains, has spread to other municipalities, including Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol. Over the past week, authorities have advised nearly 200 residents to evacuate their homes for safety, with public shelters made available. However, many have returned, except for some areas like Fajã das Galinhas and Furna.
Firefighting efforts have faced challenges due to high temperatures and winds, although no significant property damage has been reported. One firefighter was treated for exhaustion, with no other injuries recorded. Estimates suggest that 7,000 hectares have been burned according to the European Forest Fire Information System.
The Judicial Police is currently investigating the causes of the fire, with indications that it may have been arson, as stated by the president of the Madeira government, Miguel Albuquerque.
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