Madeira Wildfires Devastate 5,000 Hectares, Tourists Stranded

August 23, 2024

The southern part of Madeira, a beautiful island, has been hit hard by big forest fires. These fires have burned more than 5,000 hectares (which is a huge area) of wild forest. This is especially worrying because the fires are threatening one of the world’s biggest laurel forests, which is so special that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fires have also made it difficult for tourists to visit the island, which is a big part of the local economy.

Where the Fires Started and Spread

The fires first started in the Serra de Água mountains on August 14, 2024. They quickly spread eastwards, reaching areas like Curral das Freiras and Câmara de Lobos. NASA’s satellites, which are like eyes in the sky, have been watching the fires as they spread. By August 17, there were several different fire fronts burning at the same time, and the smoke was so much that it could be seen over the Atlantic Ocean.

What Made the Fires Worse

The weather has made these fires even more dangerous. There’s been a lot of heat, and the winds from the coast have been very strong, with gusts (sudden strong winds) reaching up to 70 km/h (43 mph) and temperatures around 30°C (86°F). These conditions have made it easier for the fires to grow bigger and spread faster.

Evacuations and Fighting the Fires

As the fires moved closer to where people live, local authorities decided to evacuate (move to a safer place) more than 160 people on August 18. The firefighters are doing their best to stop the fires, but it’s very challenging because of the rough and hilly terrain. Their main goal is to keep the fires away from homes and towns.

What Officials Are Saying

Miguel Albuquerque, who is the president of Madeira’s regional government, has tried to calm people down by saying that the fires are mostly in remote areas, far from where most people live and away from important buildings. The authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to change their plans if needed.

About Madeira

Madeira is a group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean and is part of Portugal. It was first discovered in 1419 by Portuguese explorers. The island is famous for Madeira wine, which is made using a special heating process. Madeira also has a laurel forest, which is so unique that it’s protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region is known for its stunning “levadas,” which are irrigation channels that also serve as hiking trails. The capital of Madeira is Funchal, which is well-known for its annual flower festival. People living on the island also have a special tradition of making beautiful embroidered linen, showing off their rich cultural heritage.

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