In a statement, the Funchal City Council, led by Cristina Pedra (CDS-PP/PSD coalition), announced that it has mobilized 14 operatives, supported by two forest fire-fighting vehicles, two tanker trucks, and one high-capacity tactical vehicle (30,000 liters).
“At this moment, the municipality of Funchal is monitoring the evolution of the active front that is closest to our city, in order to adjust the fire-fighting resources if necessary,” the statement adds.
The rural fire on Madeira Island broke out a week ago, on August 14, in the mountains of Ribeira Brava municipality, progressively spreading to the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, and through Pico Ruivo to Santana.
The territory of Funchal has not been affected, but the municipality says it is monitoring the situation.
Over these eight days, authorities have instructed nearly 200 people on the island to leave their homes as a precaution and have made public shelter facilities available, but many residents have already returned, except for those in Fajã das Galinhas, in Câmara de Lobos.
Firefighting efforts have been hampered by wind, now reduced, and high temperatures, but there are no reports of destruction to homes or essential infrastructure.
Some firefighters have received assistance for exhaustion or minor injuries, with no other injuries reported.
Data from the European Forest Fire Information System, indicated by the president of the Regional Civil Protection Service, António Nunes, point to nearly 4,393 hectares of burned area as of 12:00 PM on Tuesday.
The Judiciary Police is investigating the causes of the fire, but the president of the Madeiran executive, Miguel Albuquerque, has already stated that it was arson.
