Government activates European Civil Protection Mechanism to ensure Madeira receives two Canadair aircraft

This Wednesday, the government will activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism so that Madeira will receive two of its own type of Canadair aircraft to fight the fires that have been raging for a week. CMTV.

The National Emergency Management and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) announced Wednesday that it would reinforce the task force with an additional 60 units to fight the blaze.

In a statement, the Funchal City Council, chaired by Cristina Pedra (CDS-PP/PSD coalition), said it had mobilised 14 firefighters, supported by two forest fire engines, two water trucks and a high-capacity tactical vehicle (30,000 litres).

“At the moment, the Municipality of Funchal is monitoring the development of the active front closest to our city in order to adjust firefighting measures if necessary,” the note also says.

The rural fire on the island of Madeira broke out a week ago, on August 14, in the mountains of the municipality of Ribeira Brava, gradually spreading to the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol and, through Pico Ruivo, Santana.

The Funchal area has not been affected, but the municipality says it is monitoring the situation.

During these eight days, authorities ordered almost 200 island residents to leave their homes as a precaution and set up community reception centres, but many residents have already returned, with the exception of Fajã das Galinhas, in Camara de Lobos.

The fight against the fire was complicated by the dying wind and high temperatures, but there was no evidence of destruction of houses or vital infrastructure.

Some firefighters were treated for exhaustion or minor injuries without further injury.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System, cited by the president of the Regional Civil Protection Service, António Nunes, indicates that approximately 4,393 hectares had been burned as of 12:00 on Tuesday.

The Judicial Police is investigating the cause of the fire, but the President of the Executive Power of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, has already declared it was arson.