More than two dozen tourists have been identified walking along closed pedestrian routes. The routes were closed due to the fires that ravaged the island for thirteen days.
“The people identified to date have been exclusively tourists,” states the President of the IFCN, Manuel Filipe, stressing that the infraction is punishable, within the scope of an administrative offence procedure, with fines between 250 and 500 euros for individuals and between 2,500 and 10,000 for companies.
The official explained that the fines are provided for in regional legislative decree 24/2022/M and are applied to anyone who is identified circulating on pedestrian routes that are temporarily or permanently closed.
Manuel Filipe indicated that the Pico do Areeiro-Pico Ruivo, Achada do Teixeira-Pico Ruivo, Pico Ruivo-Encumeada routes, as well as Encumeada-Jardim da Serra and a trail in Paul da Serra remain closed.
“For security reasons, circulation is prohibited,” he warned, noting that the Forest Police’s surveillance in these places has been reinforced.
As yet, the President of the IFCN cannot give any exact dates when these popular walks will be reopened, but says that the Institute is working to partially open the Pico do Areeiro footpath and the trail between Achada do Teixeira and the Pico Ruivo shelter.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
