“I would not like to use the term ‘extinct’ yet at this point, because the fire was very large and there may still be some hot spots that could cause some reignition, which will probably be easily controlled,” said António Nunes in statements to Lusa agency at 10:00 AM.
According to the head of Madeira’s civil protection, the fire “is completely under control,” but as there are “some hot spots,” what happened on Sunday could be repeated, with a reignition that “was easily controlled, especially because it was in an area where everything around had burned.”
In any case, he added, the situation “does not require special care” and there is no longer “anyone specifically assigned for this purpose.”
Still according to António Nunes, at this stage, the Rural Fire Combat Teams (ECIR) are on the ground, which, in addition to their normal activity, “will take extra care with these burned areas.”
These are “the resources that were already there before the fire started and will continue until November 30” and “are part of the rural fire combat teams that are on the ground normally like every year,” he explained.
Regarding the teams that came from the mainland and the Azores to help fight the fire, the official indicated that they will return to their origins starting today.
The mainland contingent will return on Air Force flights scheduled for late this afternoon and Tuesday, while the elements from the Azores will go on a civilian flight, he said.
“We are very grateful for their performance, for the help they gave us. At this moment, they are available to return to their homes,” he added.
Data from the European Forest Fire Information System points to more than 5,045 hectares of burned area.
The rural fire on the island of Madeira broke out on August 14 in the mountains of the municipality of Ribeira Brava, progressively spreading to the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, and Santana.
Since the beginning of the fire, authorities have instructed nearly 200 people to leave their homes as a precaution and made public shelter equipment available, but many residents have been returning home.
Fighting the flames was made difficult by wind and high temperatures, but according to the Regional Government, there is no record of injuries or destruction of essential public houses and infrastructure, although some small agricultural productions were affected, in addition to forest areas.
The Judiciary Police is investigating the causes of the fire, but the president of the Madeiran executive, Miguel Albuquerque, said it was arson.
