Portugal Seeks EU Aid for Madeira Wildfire

Portugal is seeking assistance from the European Union to combat a severe wildfire on Madeira that has persisted for over a week and threatens the UNESCO-listed Laurissilva forest. The government plans to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to request two Canadair water bomber planes to aid firefighting efforts. So far, the fire has consumed approximately 4,392 hectares, with significant spread reported in the last 24 hours. Reinforcements of 60 firefighters have arrived from the mainland, joining 76 already deployed, as more than 100 personnel battle the blaze on two fronts. While about 200 residents were evacuated as a precaution, most have returned home, and no significant damage to structures has been reported. Strong winds have complicated firefighting efforts and disrupted air operations, although the main airport in Funchal is now functional.