Several hundred people were evacuated from the town of Curral das Freiras, located in the central part of Madeira, an island belonging to Portugal. All because of a massive forest fire.
According to local authorities, the fire that firefighters have been battling in Madeira since Wednesday has already consumed several abandoned buildings in Curral das Freiras. In the fight against the element, which is spreading quickly across the island with the wind, one of the firefighters was injured.
Madeira is ravaged by fire. Several hundred people evacuated
The archipelago authorities announced that due to the growing fire it was necessary call from Portugal Continental firefighters and rescuers from the special unit. At least 80 of its officers are expected to arrive from Lisbon by Sunday.
“Given the development of the situation and the fact that weather conditions are hampering operations in the field, the regional authorities announce that all logistical activities are currently underway to complete the work within the next few hours. 80 members of the Special Fire Force arrived in Madeira“- was reported in the press release.
It has also started blocking of roads and trails by local services due to the threat to the safety of the local population and tourists, of which there are many in the Curral das Freiras area.
The president of the Madeira Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN), Manuel Filipe, said that despite the blocking of roads and the installation of signs warning of the risk of nSome tourists approach the burning forest and enter closed trails.
– We have already detained a group of tourists who ignored these warnings. They will be fined. – he added.
Local media reported that many foreigners were spending their holidays in the area affected by the fire, including: The British, Germany and the Poles.