The wildfires that erupted in Madeira on August 14, 2024, initially began in the mountainous region of Ribeira Brava.
Still active, the fires have since spread to neighboring areas, including Câmara de Lobos and Ponta do Sol, and beyond.
Now entering their tenth day, the wildfires have scorched over 5,000 hectares of land and temporarily disrupted operations at Madeira’s main airport, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded. Fortunately, the airport has since resumed normal operations.
Over 100 firefighters have been battling the blaze on two main fronts across the island, typically packed with summer tourists at this time of year.
Despite their relentless efforts, the situation remains dire as the fires spread as local authorities issued a state of calamity on Thursday.
Strong winds and high temperatures have hampered firefighting operations. Approximately 200 people were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, though most have now returned to their homes.
The damage across Madeira is of significant concern, particularly as the fires have reached the Laurissilva forest, the largest surviving laurel forest in the world, which covered much of Southern Europe 15-40 million years ago, and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
Despite their relentless efforts, the situation remains dire as the fires spread. Although initial reports on Friday indicated that damage to this ancient forest was limited, the ongoing threat has alarmed conservationists.
The Laurisilva forest is a primeval laurel forest that once covered much of Southern Europe. As the largest remaining area of this type of forest, it is an ecological treasure. The forest is home to a wide variety of endemic species, including plants, birds, and insects, making it crucial for biodiversity conservation.
Local firefighters, many of whom are now exhausted, have received reinforcements from the Portuguese mainland and the Azores.
Earlier in the week, the European Union provided assistance through its Civil Protection Mechanism, sending two Canadair water-bombing planes from Spain to aid in firefighting efforts.
Additionally, the Copernicus emergency satellite system has been activated to assist local authorities with real-time mapping of the fires. Both the European Union and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to dispatch additional resources if necessary.
Authorities have reported that no homes have been destroyed, and no injuries or loss of life have occurred. The cause of the fires is currently under investigation, with suspicions of arson.
This disaster follows a series of wildfires that ravaged the island last year, resulting in the loss of thousands of hectares of vegetation. In 2016, a wildfire near the main city of Funchal claimed the lives of at least three people.
Madeira Island, a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique biodiversity. While Madeira itself is not a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its Laurisilva forest is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site fort its natural beauty and ecological significance globally recognized.
PAJ/Staff
