Reinforcements Deployed to Combat Madeira Wildfire

The European Commission has announced its readiness to provide additional resources to assist Portugal in battling a significant forest fire on the island of Madeira. The fire, which began on August 14 near Ribeira Brava, has spread to surrounding municipalities, prompting the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism. In response, two Canadair firefighting planes from the EU's strategic reserve have been dispatched to Madeira to support local firefighting efforts. As the fire continues to rage, authorities have evacuated nearly 200 residents as a precautionary measure, although many have since returned home. The Copernicus emergency satellite system has been activated to assist local authorities with mapping and monitoring the situation. Despite challenging conditions, including high winds and temperatures, there have been no reports of significant damage to homes or infrastructure, although some firefighters have experienced exhaustion and minor injuries. The fire has consumed over 4,930 hectares of land, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. The regional government is actively investigating the cause of the fire, with indications pointing towards arson. In addition to the Canadair planes, Portugal has sent reinforcements, including 60 firefighters from the mainland, to bolster the local response. The situation remains critical as the fire threatens parts of the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest, a vital ecological area. Local authorities continue to monitor the fire's progression while ensuring the safety of residents and tourists in the region.