The Judicial Police (PJ) confirmed on Thursday that the “large-scale” forest fire that raged in Madeira for more than a week “likely originated from the launching of fireworks.”
In a statement, the authority clarified that “in the course of investigative efforts conducted by the Madeira Criminal Investigation Department, it was determined that the fire likely originated from the launching of fireworks.”
“The investigation, which included gathering relevant testimonies, analyzing circumstances, meteorological information, official information from various entities, as well as indicative analysis of various elements, allowed for the identification of both the location and those responsible for launching the fireworks,” the PJ added. They also stated that “the competent judicial authority has been informed of the actions taken and their results” and that the “investigation continues.”
The information was initially reported by Diário de Notícias da Madeira, which also revealed that one suspect has already been named and another is under investigation for launching pyrotechnic devices in Serra de Água.
It’s worth noting that Miguel Albuquerque, president of the Regional Government of Madeira, repeatedly insisted on the possibility of criminal intent.
“This fire was very dangerous and derived – I have no doubt – from arson in an inaccessible area and during a period when aerial resources could not operate,” he said on the fourth day of the fire.
The rural fire on the island of Madeira broke out on August 14 in the mountains of Ribeira Brava municipality, progressively spreading to the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, and Santana. On Monday, after 13 days, the regional Civil Protection indicated that the fire was “completely extinguished.”
Firefighting efforts were hampered by wind and high temperatures, but according to the Regional Government, there were no reports of injuries or destruction of homes and essential public infrastructure, although some small agricultural productions were affected, in addition to forest areas.
