Portugal seeks EU assistance in managing intense forest fires affecting Madeira.
60 emergency responders were airlifted from Lisbon to Madeira on Wednesday, as per the island's leader, Miguel Albuquerque. Prior to this, the Portuguese government had dispatched 76 personnel to the island over the weekend to bolster its resources.
The blaze ignited on Wednesday in the municipality of Ribeira Brava and spread to adjacent municipalities of Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol, situated on the western side of Funchal, the island's main city, along the southern coast. The wildfire poses a risk of consuming a laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. By Tuesday afternoon, over 4392 hectares had been scorched, as per the EU's Copernicus Earth observation program.
Approximately 200 residents had to temporarily relocate due to homes being threatened, primarily to avoid the hazard of smoke inhalation. No injuries or property destruction have been reported thus far; however, some firefighters have shown indications of fatigue.
Antonio Nunes, the president of the regional civil protection, stated on Portuguese radio (RTP) that the damages are nearing the protected forest area. On Wednesday evening, the flames were advancing along two fronts of a mountain range that is challenging to navigate, according to President Albuquerque.
Initially, strong winds had exacerbated the fire, causing temporary disruptions at Funchal airport. Nevertheless, operations returned to normal on Wednesday, as reported by the airport administration.
The 60 emergency responders airlifted from Lisbon were deployed to assist in combating the wildfire in Madeira. The wildfire in Madeira, specifically in the Ribeira Brava municipality, has threatened to consume the nearby laurel forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
