Published
Video length: 2 min
Fire in Madeira: Portugal asks for help from Europe
Portugal, overwhelmed by the fires on the island of Madeira, launches an appeal for help from the European Union. 4,392 hectares have already been destroyed.
(France 2)
Portugal, overwhelmed by the fires on the island of Madeira, is appealing for help to the European Union. 4,392 hectares have already been destroyed.
The fire is spreading continuously on the mountains of Madeira (Portugal), Thursday August 22, devouring the forest for a week. On the island, very popular with tourists, the flames are getting closer to the hiking trails. At night, the reliefs take on the appearance of an erupting volcano. No house has been affected so far, but 200 residents have been evacuated, to prevent them from inhaling the smoke.
The fire started eight days ago above the coastal town of Ribeira Brava (Portugal) and has spread to neighbouring municipalities. It is now threatening a forest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portugal has therefore triggered the request for European civil security assistance. “This mechanism will bring us two Canadairs, which will be authorized to drop on the mountainous area of the center, but not on urban or agricultural areas”said Miguel Albuquerque, president of the Madeira region. The archipelago has only one water-bombing helicopter.
