The fire that broke out in Ribeira Brava is difficult to deal with according to the authorities. Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service is continuously working hard to set the fire out. The authorities are even using helicopters to deal with the fire.
Fire Has Engulfed Parts Of The Ribeira Brava Region
The fire broke out yesterday morning and authorities are still trying to extinguish the fire. Authorities are unable to extinguish the fire because they cannot access some of the area. The difficult-to-access area is adding to the difficulty of firefighters.
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Civil Protections has stated that they received the news about the fire outbreak at 9:48 in the morning. The information was relayed to them by the Relief Operations for Integrated Communications Center of the Regional Command.
It is stated by the authorities that the fire began to spread on a slope that was not accessible. The fire got out of control at 02:45 pm. It started to spread in the outskirts of the region, Serra de Água. The main difficulty is that the area has a lot of wind. Wind is the enemy of fire as it causes the fire to spread. The official statement was given by the Civil Protection which stated:
Given the complexity of the situation, the Commander of Relief Operations of the Mixed Fire Brigade of Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol requested the aerial resources and respective helicopter brigade to assist the six operatives of that fire brigade. Although they were mobilized with a fire-fighting vehicle, the terrain conditions limit the effectiveness of ground operations.
Helicopter Is The Best Way To Extinguish The Fire
The authorities have told the media that a helicopter is the main source to extinguish the fire. The usage of helicopters for extinguishing fire has been included in the operations since 2018. It also participated in the Madeira Forest Fire Fighting Operational Plan for 6 years now. There were some difficulties faced during the initial years. As you know, the wind is recorded at high speeds on the islands of Madeira. The orography of the region is also quite complex, and it makes it difficult for the firefighters to carry out the operation.
The area is at risk for now and all the interconnected islands are facing the risk of burning out. A yellow warning has been issued in the area because the weather is becoming hotter day by day. A hot weather arises the risk of fire in the islands. The Portuguese Institute of Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has issued a yellow warning at least until Friday.
Currently, the region is still in danger and citizens are instructed to be aware of the danger of fire. In the meantime, the firefighters are already taking measures to make sure the existing fire is lit out.
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