A lush, vibrantly green subtropical climate, coastlines teeming with whales and dolphins and a dramatic, volcanic landscape – yes, we’re talking about Madeira. The archipelago, which sits around 680km west off the coast of Morocco, is a popular holiday destination for anyone craving knockout views and gorgeous sunrises.
However, a wildfire has been burning on the island since Wednesday last week, with warm temperatures and strong winds exacerbating its spread and making it difficult to control. People in the affected region have been evacuated from their homes and flights have been cancelled, so here is everything you need to know if you have a trip booked to Madeira.
What’s the situation in Madeira?
A wildfire broke out on Wednesday August 14 in the rural area of Ribeira Brava and has since spread to the neighbouring municipality of Câmara de Lobos, which is near the island’s south coast. According to Reuters, the fire is still spreading across three fronts, and is being tackled by 200 firefighters (76 were sent from mainland Portugal).
President of the Regional Government of Madeira Miguel Albuquerque said: ‘This fire, which is very dangerous, I have no doubt it was caused by arson in an inaccessible area where air support could not operate.’ However, the fire has proved difficult to control because of high temperatures at around 30C, as well as strong winds and low humidity.
Is it safe to travel?
Thankfully no injuries or casualties have been reported, but 160 people have been evacuated from the area as a precaution and the entire coastline of Madeira has been placed on orange alert (the second highest level).
The UK Foreign Office hasn’t advised against travelling to Madeira, and the ‘safety and security’ page has some general advice which states: ‘Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Risk of fires is higher when the weather is hot and dry. Fires have become more common due to drought and high temperatures during the summer months. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.’
It encourages you to familiarise yourself with local safety procedures and follow the advice of Portuguese authorities and report a fire to 112 if you see one.
Have flights been cancelled?
Yes, on Thursday August 15, at least 23 flights were cancelled due to the strong winds Madeira has been experiencing. Flight cancellations rose to more than 50 by yesterday. The cancellations led to chaotic scenes at the airport, with lots of passengers stranded and awaiting rescheduled flights.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled before you arrive at the airport, you should be entitled a refund of your entire ticket or a new flight. If it’s cancelled after you arrive, your airline should also offer you care such as a place to stay overnight. Check directly with your provider for more details.
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