Madeira Wildfires: A Growing Concern for Locals and Tourists
Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal known for its stunning landscapes, has experienced a troubling pattern of wildfires over the past years. These wildfires have not only scarred the island's natural beauty but also raised significant concerns about the safety of its residents and visitors.
Wildfires on Madeira in the past
Over the last ten years, Madeira has witnessed a significant number of wildfires, with some years being particularly devastating. The most catastrophic year was 2016, when wildfires raged across the island, destroying homes and leaving three people dead. Around a thousand people were evacuated, and dozens of houses were burned down. These fires were some of the worst in living memory. The municipality of Funchal was the most affected after the fire broke out in the Alegria area. The wind and temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) offered no respite, and the fire ultimately destroyed more than 6,000 hectares of forest, even reaching urban areas.
The wildfire in 2016 appeared to have been triggered by a combination of high temperatures, dry woodlands, and powerful winds. The damage in the city of Funchal was devastating. Since then, while firefighting techniques and preventive measures have improved, wildfires have continued to be a recurrent threat on the island.
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Causes of Wildfires on Madeira
The causes of wildfires on Madeira are often a mix of natural and human factors. The island's warm, dry climate, particularly in summer, makes it highly susceptible to fires. Prolonged dry spells, high temperatures, and strong winds can quickly turn a small spark into a large blaze. Human activities, such as careless disposal of cigarette butts or uncontrolled agricultural burns, have also been identified as common causes of these fires.
A Closer Look on the 2024 Wildfire on Madeira
In mid-August 2024, Madeira was once again hit by severe wildfires. The fire started on August 14th in the mountains near Ribeira Brava and spread rapidly to Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Sol, and via Pico Ruivo, Santana and continued uncontrolled for 11 days.
High temperatures and strong winds, with gusts reaching 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour, fuelled the fire’s rapid spread. By August 18th, the flames had forced the evacuation of over 160 people. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze due to the island's challenging terrain.
The European Forest Fire Information System estimated that most of the burned area consisted of woodland, shrubland, and broadleaf forest. Fortunately, no homes had been damaged, though the fires threaten residential areas in Curral das Freiras. Investigations by Madeira's Criminal Investigation Department revealed that the fire was caused by the launching of rockets.
Will Wildfires on Madeira Happen Again
Climate change is making extreme wildfires more frequent and intense worldwide. In the last two decades, the frequency and intensity of extreme wildfires have more than doubled, with the most severe years occurring since 2017. Portugal, including Madeira, has been particularly hard-hit in recent years.
Given Madeira's climate and history of wildfires, it’s likely that the island will continue to face this threat. Natural factors like dry weather, wind, and rugged terrain make the island particularly vulnerable to wildfires.
While improvements in firefighting have reduced the risk to human life, the environmental and economic impacts remain serious. Wildfires threaten homes, livelihoods, and the island's natural environment, with long-lasting economic consequences. The tourism industry, a key part of Madeira's economy, also suffers from the negative perception created by wildfires. During the 2024 wildfires, tourist cancellations surged by 90% due to the ongoing blaze that lasted 11 days.
In conclusion, despite improvements in wildfire management, the risk in Madeira remains. Both locals and tourists must stay alert to the ongoing threat of future fires.
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Madeira is such an amazing place to visit, and we still can't believe we've been able to call it home for the past two years. During our stay, we explored all the best spots on the island and tried all the most exciting activities, many of them more than once! This helped us create these comprehensive guides that will help you plan your own trip to Madeira.
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