The European Union executive stated in a press release that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and is “prepared to send additional resources if necessary.”
“The European Commission is mobilizing support for Portugal in the fight against a forest fire near Ribeira Brava, in Madeira. […] The Copernicus satellite emergency system was also activated to provide maps to local authorities,” the institution said in the statement.
This morning, it was announced that the two Canadair firefighting aircraft requested by the Portuguese Government from the EU, as part of the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, will arrive in Madeira today.
“Following Portugal’s activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism last night [Wednesday], the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre immediately coordinated the dispatch of two Canadair firefighting aircraft from the rescEU [EU strategic reserve] that will depart today from Spain to Madeira,” the institution said in the press release, noting that “the aircraft will help local authorities fight the fires, providing essential air support in difficult conditions.”
In total, the EU’s strategic reserve for the fire season consists of 28 aircraft and four helicopters stationed in 10 Member States, with more than 560 firefighters from 12 countries pre-positioned throughout Europe.
This information comes a day after the Portuguese Government announced that it would activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which there is a strategic reserve of resources, so that two Canadair firefighting aircraft can be sent to help combat the fire that has been burning for eight days in Madeira.
The 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 through Pico Ruivo, Santana.
Authorities instructed nearly 200 people to leave their homes as a precaution and made public shelter equipment available, but many residents have already returned, except for those from Fajã das Galinhas in Câmara de Lobos.
Fighting the flames has been hampered by wind and high temperatures, but there are no reports of destruction of houses or essential infrastructure.
Some firefighters received assistance for exhaustion or minor injuries, with no other injuries reported.
Data from the European Forest Fire Information System indicates that more than 4,930 hectares of area have burned.
The Judicial Police are investigating the causes of the fire, but the president of the Madeiran executive, Miguel Albuquerque, said it was arson.
