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Emergency Services Respond to Gas Leak, Landslide, and Animal Rescue in Madeira

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
December 29, 2025
4 min read

In a series of incidents on December 28, 2025, emergency services in Madeira were busy responding to a gas leak in Funchal, a landslide in Curral das Freiras, and a dog rescue in São Gonçalo.

On December 28, 2025, the islands of Madeira witnessed a series of incidents that kept local emergency services on their toes. From a gas leak in Funchal to a landslide in Curral das Freiras and an animal rescue in São Gonçalo, the day was marked by swift and efficient responses from various fire departments.

Gas Leak in Funchal

A strong smell of gas led to the mobilization of the Funchal Fire Brigade to a building on Rua Dr. Carlos Varela. Nine firefighters with three vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Although the gas detection devices did not register any leaks, the intense odor prompted the closure of the main gas supply to the building as a precautionary measure.

Landslide Disrupts Traffic in Curral das Freiras

In the early hours of the morning, a landslide occurred on the road at Curral de Cima, near the dam in Curral das Freiras. The Câmara de Lobos Volunteer Firefighters were quick to respond, marking the area and restoring traffic by 9 AM with the help of local council machinery. This incident highlights the region's susceptibility to landslides, particularly during the rainy season.

Dog Rescued from Ribeiro in São Gonçalo

A dog found itself trapped in a ribeiro on Caminho do Pasto, São Gonçalo. The Madeira Volunteer Firefighters arrived promptly to rescue the distressed animal. The dog was safely retrieved and returned to its owner without any injuries, showcasing the dedication of local emergency services.

These incidents underline the importance of the emergency services in maintaining safety and order on the island, ensuring that both residents and tourists can enjoy everything Madeira has to offer.

Sources

Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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