Last updated on 27th June 2023
In view of the red alert issued by the IPMA, the Regional Secretary for the Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Susana Prada, warns that everyone should be careful when using any of the forest spaces to avoid endangering lives, wildlife, and heritage.
This evening, a statement was sent to all media outlets stating that it is “forbidden to light any fires or bonfires in forest spaces. All forest leisure areas will be closed. The forest road that connects Eira do Serrado to Pico do Areeiro will be closed as a preventive measure.”
Furthermore, those living in rural locations should avoid using spark creating equipment, such as trimmers using metal discs, chainsaws, tractors without exhaust protections, bush shredding equipment, grinders, and welding equipment among other things.
Thus, “the population is asked to avoid visiting any forest spaces, not smoke and be on the alert and call the authorities if a fire or smouldering brushwood is detected.”
In conclusion, it is accepted that “the SRAAC through the IFCN will further strengthen its means of surveillance and first intervention in forest and natural space. All fire watchtowers will be active 24 hours a day, and surveillance will be reinforced with Forest Police, Forest Sappers, Nature Watchers, and IFCN Operational Assistants.”
The red alert is expected to drop to orange from 21:00 tomorrow and will remain in place for 24 hours.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
