"Hundreds of firefighters battle raging wildfire in Madeira"

In Madeira, hundreds of firefighters are engaged in a major effort to combat a severe wildfire that is rapidly spreading. The blaze has posed a significant threat to both communities and natural landscapes, prompting a large-scale response to contain and control the flames. The situation remains critical as efforts continue to manage the fire and minimize damage.

On Sunday, hundreds of Portuguese firefighters worked urgently to extinguish a wildfire sweeping across the southern coast of Madeira, a popular tourist spot, with strong winds complicating their efforts.

The fire, which began on Wednesday in a remote area of Ribeira Brava, has spread to the neighbouring municipality of Camara de Lobos and now has three active fronts, according to island authorities.

Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by 38 vehicles, are fighting the blaze, but high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds are making it difficult to control. A helicopter also assisted but had to cease operations as night fell.

Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government of Madeira, told reporters that the fire, deemed highly dangerous, was likely caused by arson in an area where air support was ineffective.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, 160 people have been evacuated as a precaution.

Madeira's entire coastline, home to around 250,000 residents, is on orange alert, the second-highest level, due to high temperatures. Recent weather reports indicate temperatures reached 30°C (86°F), and the strong winds have led to numerous flight cancellations.

Portugal dispatched 76 firefighters from the mainland to Madeira on Saturday, and the neighbouring Azores archipelago is sending 15 firefighters on Sunday evening.

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Source: Reuters‍