Curral Das Freiras Surrounded By Flames, 50 People Evacuated

Residents Flee as Flames Encircle Curral das Freiras

More than 50 residents of Curral das Freiras were evacuated from their homes last night as a large wildfire, now with two active fronts, threatened their homes. The fire that started in Serra de Água has been raging in the areas of Terra Chã and Seara Velha, prompting urgent action from local authorities. Residents were initially gathered near the village church before being relocated.

The worst has indeed happened.
Manuel Salustino, president of the Curral das Freiras Parish Council, quoted by Jornal da Madeira

Local Leader Warns of Fire’s Unyielding Threat

Manuel Salustino, the president of the Curral das Freiras Parish Council, confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating, "The worst has indeed happened." The village was nearly surrounded by flames, with the fire inching closer throughout the night. Despite the harrowing circumstances, Salustino reported that no homes had been damaged thus far, although the Curral das Freiras remains engulfed in smoke.

So far, I am not aware of any houses being affected. We made the decision to go in, even knowing there was no possibility of getting out. We tried to save people, and many animals were also rescued, but we had a defined escape route, which was the old pedestrian path that connects Upper Terra Chã to Lower Terra Chã.
Manuel Salustino, presidente da Junta de Freguesia do Curral das Freiras, quoted by Diário de Notícias da Madeira

Madeira 2024 Wildfires Spreading to Jardim Da Serra & Curral Das Freiras

Firefighters Battle Blazes in Challenging Terrain

Firefighting efforts continue as crews struggle against the flames in difficult terrain. Additional fire engines and personnel have been dispatched to support the ongoing battle, but progress is slow due to the inaccessibility of the area. A firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment. According to an IFCN official, firefighters are digging trenches to shield homes from immediate danger and to prevent the advancing fire from reaching residential areas.

Portuguese Government Offers Support, But Albuquerque Says Resources Are Sufficient

In response to the growing crisis, Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, reached out to Madeira’s regional government, offering additional support. However, Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government, indicated that the resources on the ground are currently sufficient. He also noted that the challenging terrain and strong winds are complicating firefighting efforts, limiting the effectiveness of air support.

Political Party Criticizes Regional Government’s Rejection of National Aid

The PPM Madeira (People's Monarchist Party, small party) expressed concern today about the rapid spread of wildfires along Madeira’s west coast, now in its fourth consecutive day. The party criticized Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque for rejecting national assistance. Paulo Brito, the PPM Madeira coordinator, argued that additional aerial support should have been requested, despite the challenging terrain. Brito also referenced the 2017 wildfires, where a similar refusal of aid led to urgent requests later. Albuquerque, however, maintains that current resources are sufficient given the difficult conditions.

For the 2024 wildfire season, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Sweden put together 24 firefighting planes and 4 helicopters at the disposal of other EU Member States in case of an emergency.
European Commission

Madeira Battles Wildfire With Limited Ressources

With 2023 setting EU-wide records for wildfire damage, Madeira is confronting the crisis with just 𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 for firefighting - often, as also in the most recent fire, grounded by wind or weather conditions. Even though planes might find it more challenging to navigate in the mountainous area of Madeira, when will there be more substantial resources on the island?