The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has warned of a high risk of forest fires in Madeira as hot weather continues across the archipelago.
The Portuguese Institute of Atmosphere and Sea (IPMA) has extended its hot weather warnings until Friday, the 7th of August, due to prolonged high temperatures.
Madeira’s north and south coasts and the island of Porto Santo are under a yellow warning from 16.44 today until 16:00 on Friday.
An orange warning remained in force for Madeira’s mountainous regions until 16:00 this evening when it was downgraded to yellow. This weather warning will remain in place until 16:00 on Friday.
According to the IFCN, mountainous areas are at a very high risk of fire. The authority has appealed to residents and visitors to act responsibly when using or visiting forested areas.
While the orange warning remains in force, bonfires and the burning of vegetation or other material are prohibited throughout Madeira.
People are also advised to avoid using equipment that could produce sparks in rural areas, including disc cutters, chainsaws, angle grinders and welding equipment.
The IFCN recommends against camping in forested areas and has urged walkers using classified trails to take additional precautions because of the increased risk of dehydration and heatstroke.
For safety reasons, the road connecting Pico do Areeiro and Eira do Serrado remains closed.
The IFCN stressed that negligence remains one of the main causes of forest fires, adding that prevention is the best way to protect Madeira’s forests.
Anyone who sees a fire or other emergency should call 112 immediately.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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