EU mobilises firefighting resources in Madeira

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it is ready to deploy more resources to support firefighting efforts in Madeira, Portugal, where a large wildfire has been burning for over a week.

According to the Commission’s statement, it is “closely monitoring the situation” and has already dispatched two Canadair firefighting planes from Spain through the European Civil Protection Mechanism, after receiving a formal request from Portugal.

The wildfire broke out on 14 August in the mountainous region of Ribeira Brava, Madeira.

It has spread across various municipalities, prompting evacuations for nearly 200 people.

While some residents have since returned home, those in Fajã das Galinhas remain displaced.

As of now, no homes or critical infrastructure have been damaged.

Copernicus system activated for emergency mapping

The European Commission has also activated the Copernicus emergency satellite system to assist local authorities with mapping the impacted areas.

The satellite imagery will provide vital data to the emergency teams on the ground, helping coordinate efforts to manage the wildfire.

This additional layer of support is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to aiding Portugal during this emergency.

The European Civil Protection Mechanism, designed to facilitate mutual aid among member states, has also pre-positioned over 560 firefighters from 12 countries to tackle the wildfire season across Europe.

Portugal’s government calls for European support

Portugal formally activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism on Wednesday.

This mechanism allows countries to request assistance from the EU’s strategic reserve of emergency resources, which includes 28 planes and four helicopters.

The Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre responded immediately to Portugal’s call, facilitating the deployment of two Canadair aircraft to the island.

These planes will offer crucial air support to local authorities working under challenging conditions due to high winds and temperatures.

Local investigation points to arson as the cause

The fire has already burned through more than 4,930 hectares of land, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.

While local authorities are investigating the fire’s origin, Miguel Albuquerque, the president of the Madeiran government, has publicly stated that the blaze was likely started by arson.

The ongoing investigation by the Judicial Police will determine the cause of the fire as the firefighting efforts continue.

European Commission supports Portugal in fight against Madeira wildfire: summary

The European Commission has mobilised additional resources to help Portugal battle a major wildfire in Madeira, which started on 14 August in Ribeira Brava.

Two Canadair firefighting planes were sent from Spain through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism following a request from Portugal.

The Copernicus emergency satellite system has also been activated to assist local authorities with mapping the affected areas.

Despite difficult conditions, including high winds and temperatures, no homes or critical infrastructure have been destroyed.

The fire has consumed more than 4,930 hectares, and arson is suspected as the cause.