Around 11 hectares of eucalyptus woodland and scrub were destroyed by the fire that broke out on Saturday night in Furneira, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, according to an initial estimate by the Municipal Civil Protection Service.
The blaze threatened several homes but caused no injuries or damage to residential properties. The Judiciary Police (PJ) is investigating the cause after suspicions were raised that the fire may have been started deliberately.
The alert was received by the Regional Relief Operations Command at 23:27. The fire began on a hillside and was already well developed when emergency services arrived.
The operation was progressively reinforced during the night, eventually involving 50 personnel and 21 vehicles from six fire brigades, alongside other civil protection and emergency services. Crews tackled the flames from several directions, using a “triangulation” strategy to contain their spread.
Protecting nearby homes was one of the operation’s main priorities. Valter Ferreira, deputy commander of the Regional Civil Protection Service, said several properties had been at risk, but firefighters prevented the flames from reaching them.
The fire was brought under control at 04:33 and entered the aftermath phase at 05:02 on Sunday. The Regional Civil Protection Service’s helicopter joined the operation after daybreak, as darkness had prevented its use.
Ground crews continued to identify and extinguish hotspots, while maintaining surveillance to prevent the fire from reigniting. A reconnaissance and assessment team also deployed drones to examine the affected area.
The presence of Judiciary Police inspectors at the scene was confirmed by the Regional Civil Protection Service. Investigators will now seek to establish how the fire began and whether there is evidence of a criminal cause.
Mayor of Câmara de Lobos, Celso Bettencourt, who monitored the operation at the scene, described the circumstances surrounding the outbreak as “suspicious” but stressed that the authorities will determine its origin.
“The fire was close to the houses and, naturally, there was concern,” he said. “Fortunately, we had significant resources on the ground and a coordinated response, which allowed us to protect homes and avoid more serious consequences.”
The mayor thanked the firefighters, civil protection services and other organisations involved, praising their commitment and readiness throughout what he described as a demanding night.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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