Madeira’s second Civil Protection helicopter will begin operations on the 1st of October and, due to its agility and versatility, will be the first responder to rural fires. It will remain on the island until the 30th of November.
Officials said the aircraft could take off in less than ten minutes and reach a fire anywhere in Madeira within 20 minutes of the initial alert. The helicopter can carry five firefighters and a pilot.
The helicopter already used by Civil Protection will remain available for firefighting but is expected to focus primarily on search and rescue while the second aircraft is in service. Helibravo operates both aircraft.
Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Fonseca de Freitas, said the additional helicopter was important to strengthen Madeira’s response, despite its arrival later than intended. The Regional Government’s aim is to have a second aircraft available from the beginning of the most critical summer period in 2027.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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