EPA The Portuguese fire brigade is working on Madeira
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 00:37
Hundreds of Portuguese firefighters are trying to control a rapidly growing forest fire on Madeira, which is raging along the southern coast of the Portuguese island, which is also a popular tourist destination.
High temperatures, low humidity and strong winds make fighting the fire difficult:
Major forest fire along southern coast of Madeira
Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by 38 vehicles, are battling the blaze. Portugal has also sent nearly 80 firefighters from the mainland to Madeira to help. The Azores sent another 15 firefighters to Madeira on Sunday.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported so far, but 160 people have been evacuated as a precaution.
Extinguishing complex
The fire started last week in a remote part of the island in the Atlantic Ocean. The fire now has three fronts, making the fight against the fire extra complex.
The entire coastline of Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is under code orange due to high temperatures. This is the second highest warning level. Temperatures on the island can rise above 30 degrees.
Forest fire also in southern France
A major fire is also raging in the southern French town of Gigean, near Montpellier. According to French media, at least three hundred hectares have been burned and around five hundred firefighters have been mobilized to fight the fire. No injuries have been reported.
