Major Wildfire Engulfs Portuguese Island, 400 Evacuated, 1 Hurt--Reports [MAP]
Madeira blaze latest among wildfires streaking across the country
A major forest fire has engulfed the Portuguese island of Madeira, forcing the evacuation of more than 400 people, while 174 people were hurt in the ensuing chaos, according to several reports.
The wildfire, which has encroached on the capital Funchal, destroyed at least 27 homes, according to Miguel Albuquerque, head of Madeira's regional government.
One person suffered serious burns, while majority of those who needed medical attention had inhaled smoke as high winds fueled the blaze, he added.
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Meanwhile, news footage showed licks of flame over Funchal Tuesday as residents desperately tried to quell the fires with hosepipes.
The residents were evacuated in a shopping center and a hospital, reports said.
The wildfire has since been under control, while weather forecasts for a cooler Wednesday is expected to help fan it out completely.
He also explained that steep hills and dense woodland were a major obstacle in containing the fire.
Latest streak of wildfires
This was just among the latest streak of wildfires that the Portuguese mainland has suffered. The month of August, when temperatures are high and the forests are bone-dry, is usually the peak time for wildfires not only in the country but also among other Southern European countries.
By Tuesday evening, fire officials reported at least seven major fires that went out of control. Meanwhile, the National Civil Protection Service said that about 4,000 firefighters, 26 dumping planes, and 1,262 vehicles were tending to at least 149 blazes of varying degrees across the country.
Apart from the dry weather, officials also called bad forest management, as the fires often start deliberately and spread quickly from the dead wood.
According to them, the region's firefighters are exhausted from having to put out blazes non-stop since Saturday, which reached about 111 Fahrenheit. In Viseu, north of Lisbon, another wildfire closed a major highway, while the flames cut the power lines in nearby Agueda.
