Portugal has appealed to its EU partners for help in combating a wildfire on the Atlantic island of Madeira. The fire, which has been raging for a week, threatens the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest.
EU Assistance Requested
Portugal plans to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to receive support, including two Canadair water bomber planes. This move aims to bolster the ongoing firefighting efforts.
Firefighting Efforts
The head of the regional government, Miguel Albuquerque, confirmed that 60 extra firefighters and first aid specialists have arrived from the Portuguese mainland. This is in addition to the 76 personnel already deployed since the wildfire began.
Extent of the Damage
According to the European Union’s Copernicus observatory, the fire has burned 4,392 hectares (10,850 acres) of land as of Tuesday. In the last 24 hours alone, more than 950 hectares have been affected.
Impact on Laurissilva Forest
Regional civil protection chief Antonio Nunes reported that the flames have reached a part of the Laurissilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Fortunately, the damage has not been significant so far.
Ongoing Battle
More than 100 firefighters are battling the blaze on two main fronts. The island, usually packed with summer tourists, has seen fierce winds that have fueled the flames and disrupted operations at Funchal’s main airport. However, the airport is now operating normally.
Evacuations and Safety Measures
The fire originated in the Ribeira Brava district and spread to the Camara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol districts. About 200 people were evacuated to avoid smoke inhalation, but most have since returned. No houses have been destroyed, and no injuries have been reported, although some firefighters are experiencing symptoms of exhaustion.
Historical Context
Madeira has faced devastating wildfires in the past. Thousands of hectares of vegetation were lost in a wildfire last year, and at least three people were killed in a 2016 wildfire near Funchal.
Conclusion
As Portugal seeks EU assistance to combat the wildfire, the situation remains critical. The efforts of firefighters and the support from the EU will be crucial in protecting the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest and ensuring the safety of Madeira’s residents and tourists.
