Over 20 Tourists Caught Hiking on Closed Trails in Madeira

Officials Warn Against Hiking on Closed Trails

Authorities in Madeira have caught more than 20 tourists walking on trails that were closed due to safety concerns following a massive wildfire. The trails, including popular routes like Pico do Arieiro - Pico Ruivo and Achada do Teixeira - Pico Ruivo, were officially closed by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) after the fire, which burned for 13 days and scorched 5,104 hectares.

Violators Face Heavy Fines From €250 to €10,000

Manuel Felipe, President of the IFCN, stressed that these violations are taken seriously. Tourists found hiking on closed trails face fines ranging from €250 to €500 for individuals and between €2,500 and €10,000 for businesses. These measures are designed to protect both the safety of hikers and the fragile state of the environment in the aftermath of the fire.

Increased Surveillance by Forest Police

In response to these violations, the IFCN has increased surveillance in the affected areas. Forest Police have been deployed to monitor the closed trails more closely to ensure that no unauthorized access takes place. “For safety reasons, circulation is prohibited,” Felipe emphasized, indicating that the protection of both visitors and the natural environment is the primary concern.

Source: SAPO