Update from the lasting and worrisome fire in Madeira Island

According to a situation report released today (August 20, 2024) at 9 p.m. by the Regional Civil Protection Service, the fire that started on August 14 continues to affect the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos (Curral das Freiras) and Ponta do Sol (Paul da Serra/Lombada), with two theaters of operations that have more than 100 operatives, 20 vehicles, and an aerial vehicle.
At 21:00 on August 20, the most worrying focus remained in Curral das Freiras, where the fire was advancing towards Boaventura, in the municipality of São Vicente.
In Paul da Serra, the fire has moved down to the Ponta do Sol stream, far from a residential area. This outbreak is in an area that is difficult to access, with the resources and operatives strategically located to contain its spread.
In Encumeada, the outbreak of the fire, which was active until the beginning of today, August 20, has been circumscribed, and a team remains on the ground carrying out active surveillance.
In the theater of operations, there are still operatives from the RAM Fire Brigades, plus those from the Special Civil Protection Force, and firefighters from the Azores.

On August 20, there were three incidents involving firefighters, two from the Azores and one from the mainland, who presented symptoms related to feeling unwell and unwell. They received assistance at the scene and the INEM health team sent two of them to Dr. Nélio Mendonça Hospital.
“In the course of this fire, fortunately, no homes have been consumed, we have no victims to mourn, and there are no records of the destruction of essential infrastructure. We are aware that this whole situation has caused emotional damage and, from the outset, we have done everything we can to mitigate the impacts of this situation,” assures the regional Civil Protection.
The SRPC, IP-RAM continues to closely monitor the evolution of the fires and reiterates its appeal to the population to avoid traveling to the affected areas, thus allowing the firefighting teams to operate more effectively and safely.
“We would like to thank all the Civil Protection agents, public bodies, and private companies for their support since the start of this firefighting operation in Madeira,” the statement concludes.

From Notícias do Funchal

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.