Wildfire has been raging since Wednesday; special forces called in
A galloping wildfire that broke out four days ago in Madeira still has three fronts active.
As of today, local firefighters have been beefed by 76 members of the ‘special firefighting force’ from the mainland, while the principal local municipality affected (Câmara dos Lobos) has already activated its municipal emergency plan.
Early morning situation reports described three active fronts (in the areas of Curral das Freiras and Fajã das Galinhas, and Serra de Água, in the neighbouring municipality to the west, Ribeira Bava).
Conditions are supremely adverse: an orange alert over very high temperatures, strong winds, and hillside terrain with difficult access.
According to reports a number of villages were evacuated overnight as what appears to be a modest number of firefighters tackle this blaze: 120 from local bridges, supported by the special forces, a handful of operatives from Civil protection, 15 GNR agents, 43 vehicles/ appliances – and only one firefighting aircraft.
SIC Notícias this morning also describes “15 volunteers” and “the entire staff of the Forestry Police Corps, Sappers and Nature Watchers”, but there most certainly will be other local people doing whatever they can to protect their homes and communities.
President of the Regional Government, Miguel Albuquerque, has interrupted his holiday on the island of Porto Santo to join forces on the ground, in a ‘monitoring’ capacity.
Source material: LUSA/ SIC Notícias
