“The worst scenario we have at the moment is the one resulting from the spread of [the fire] in Curral das Freiras, which has progressed through the central mountain range of the region and reached Pico Ruivo [in the municipality of Santana]. This is a very complex area. It is not possible to act in this area due to the conditions of the terrain”, the president of the Regional Civil Protection Service told Lusa.

According to António Nunes, the operatives are trying to contain the spread to more problematic areas, with 11 operatives on site, with the support of five resources.

“Given the unfavourable developments, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority [ANEPC] was asked to increase the number of personnel from the mainland and we are expected to receive 45 more personnel today”, he added.

According to António Nunes, the use of helicopters on site will have to be assessed.

“Operating aerial resources at these altitudes is quite complex. It is not something that can be done in a linear fashion. We have to make an assessment and see if the pilots and the helicopter are capable of doing so, as the winds at that altitude are very erratic and we do not want to have another problem with the loss of the helicopter”, he said.

As for other areas of the island, according to António Nunes, in Serra de Água, in Ponta do Sol, the fire is progressing favourably.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to put out that front today. There are 64 operatives on site, with the support of 16 resources. In Curral das Freiras, which yesterday [Tuesday] was a major concern due to the residences there, we currently have no problems. We have personnel on standby, who have built firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading down the slope to protect the homes,” he said.

At around 8:00 am, 22 firefighters were on site, with the support of seven land vehicles.

The rural fire in Madeira broke out a week ago, on August 14, in the mountains of Ribeira Brava, spreading on Thursday to the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, and, over the weekend, to the municipality of Ponta do Sol.

During these eight days, the authorities advised nearly 200 people to leave their homes as a precaution and provided public shelter facilities, but many residents have already returned, with the exception of Fajã das Galinhas, in Câmara de Lobos, and Furna, in Ribeira Brava.

Fighting the flames has been hampered by the wind, which is now weaker, and by high temperatures, but there are no reports of destruction of homes or essential infrastructure.

Three firefighters have already received hospital treatment for exhaustion and symptoms related to “malaise and indisposition”, and there have been no further injuries.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System, indicated by the president of the Regional Civil Protection Service, António Nunes, indicate that 4,392 hectares of area had been burned by 12:00 on Tuesday.

The Judicial Police are investigating the causes of the fire, but the president of the Madeiran executive, Miguel Albuquerque, says it was arson.

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