After a major fire at their main distribution centre in São Martinho, the Jerónimo Martins group confirms that their contingency plan was immediately activated and “alternative solutions were found to ensure the normal operation of their stores in Madeira. They were also quick to confirm that all jobs are safe.”
The cause of the fire at the warehouse, which has been partially destroyed, is now being investigated by the Judiciary Police, who arrived at the premises at 9 am yesterday morning, and were met by company representatives.
The fire was extinguished at around 10:00 pm Saturday evening, after firefighters (five municipal teams including 27 vehicles and 78 operational fire officers from the Sapadores e Voluntários do Funchal and the municipalities of Câmara de Lobos, in the initial phase, who then called in teams from Santa Cruz and Ribeira Brava). In terms of damage, it is known that the refrigerator area was not badly affected, and that the fire broke out only when the security guards were on site.
The surrounding dwellings have been evacuated, but there is no personal injury to report.
This is the third fire in this space, after smaller ones in 2006 and 2017.
The group has 16 stores in seven municipalities across the Region, including Porto Santo.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
