- Madeira's Forest Fires: European Union Dispatches Spanish Aerial Firefighting Units
Two Spanish firefighting aircraft, equipped with twin-engine propellers and carrying approximately 6,000 liters of water each, have joined the effort against a significant wildfire on the Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira. These Canadair-style planes made their appearance on Thursday, following Portugal's request for EU assistance, as reported by the state news agency Lusa.
Their primary operations are focused in the mountainous region surrounding the Pico Ruivo, a challenging terrain that the island's sole helicopter had struggled to manage thus far. Standing at over 1,800 meters, Pico Ruivo is Madeira's highest peak.
This wildfire, ignited on August 14, has currently engulfed over 5,500 hectares of natural land - an area equivalent to nearly twice the size of the East Frisian island of Borkum. Fortunately, no injuries or structural damages have been recorded. Yet, scientists caution of potential severe ecological harm due to the potential annihilation of plant life and wildlife.
The Canadair-style planes, aided by Portugal's request for EU assistance, have been crucial in managing the wildfire on Madeira. These aircraft, similar to those produced by Canadair, have been particularly effective in navigating the challenging terrain surrounding Pico Ruivo.
