News
Oct 4, 20261 min read
Second aerial firefighting asset enters operation in Madeira
PSD/Madeira said the second aerial firefighting asset is funded by the State Budget and will remain in Madeira until 30 November.
Wildfires on Madeira: Live Status and News
What is happening now: IPMA heat warnings, trail closures and our latest reports, refreshed every ten minutes, followed by everything we have written about fires on the island. The fires of August 2016 reached Funchal; the August 2024 fire burned for eleven days from Serra de Água across the central mountains.
Fire status now
Live status at 23:09 Madeira time. Refreshes every 10 minutes.
IPMA heat warnings
No hot-weather warning in force. IPMA publishes no fire-danger index for Madeira, so a heat warning is the closest official signal of fire risk.
Trails and levadas
5 trails closed, 4 with restrictions
- PR 7
- PR 20
- PR 27
- PR 28
- PS PR 3
- PR 1.3
- PR 4
- PR 8
- PR 12
IFCN closes trails during fires and after storms. The list is mirrored from the official notice to walkers.
Official sources: Proteção Civil Madeira · IPMA warnings · IFCN notice to walkers
In an emergency call 112. It works from any phone on Madeira, in any language.
Tours & activities
All tours →Best-rated tours on Madeira
The island's highest-rated guided trips, boat tours and tastings, ranked by the people who took them.
Most booking links go to Viator: if you book through them we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Each card names the site it books on, and prices and availability are that site's.
News
Sep 24, 20261 min read
Madeira placed under yellow heat warning as fire risk rises
Hot, dry conditions, low humidity and easterly winds are forecast through Friday, with suspended dust also possible.
Travel TipsSep 18, 20269 min read
Is Madeira safe? Wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, the sea
Madeira is safe: crime is low and the real risks are weather and geology. What fires, rockfalls, earthquakes, the sea and mountain paths mean for a visitor.
News
Sep 1, 20263 min read
Madeira's PS-M Leader Calls for Continuous Fire Prevention Strategy
Célia Pessegueiro, leader of PS-Madeira, criticizes the regional government's sporadic measures against wildfires, urging a continuous and integrated prevention strategy.
News
Aug 30, 20263 min read
Emergency Rescues and Wildfire Challenges in Madeira
Emergency services in Madeira are tackling multiple incidents, including a tourist rescue in Curral das Freiras and a wildfire in Câmara de Lobos. These events showcase the resilience and coordination of local firefighters in ensuring safety.
News
Aug 26, 20264 min read
PS Challenges Albuquerque to Approve Shepherding Proposal to Prevent Fires
The PS-Madeira urges President Miguel Albuquerque to adopt a shepherding proposal for effective wildfire prevention, highlighting previous governmental inconsistencies.
News
Aug 25, 20263 min read
Santa Cruz Invests in Fire Prevention with €164,000 Initiative
Santa Cruz, Madeira, is investing approximately €164,000 to reduce fire risks through strategic fuel load reduction and watercourse clearing.
News
Aug 24, 20262 min read
Fire in Gaula Quickly Contained by Firefighters
A brush fire in Gaula, Madeira, was swiftly controlled by local firefighters, preventing potential damage to nearby areas.
News
Aug 21, 20263 min read
JSD Ribeira Brava Hosts Community Safety Session with Local Firefighters
The JSD Ribeira Brava organized a community session focused on safety and prevention, highlighting the vital role of local firefighters.
News
Aug 20, 20263 min read
Controversy Erupts Over Usage of Firefighters for Garden Maintenance in Machico
The political party Chega has raised concerns about the use of municipal firefighters to water public gardens in Machico due to faulty irrigation systems. This issue has sparked debate about resource allocation and public safety priorities.
News
Aug 19, 20263 min read
Francisco Gomes Raises Alarm Over Alleged Pressure and Intimidation Among Firefighters in Madeira
Francisco Gomes, a Madeira deputy for the Chega party, has brought to light allegations of pressure and intimidation within firefighter units across Madeira and the mainland.
News
Aug 17, 20263 min read
Urgent Call for Eucalyptus Clearing in São Roque to Prevent Fire Risks
Political party CHEGA urges Funchal City Council to address the fire hazard posed by dense eucalyptus growth in São Roque, as the community faces significant risk.
News
Aug 8, 20263 min read
Madeira Increases Emergency Services with 42 New Specialist Firefighters
In a significant move, Madeira's Civil Protection has announced the recruitment of 42 new specialist firefighters, enhancing emergency pre-hospital and communication services across the region.
News
Aug 7, 20263 min read
Multiple Emergencies in Madeira: Accidents and Fire Incidents Keep Firefighters Busy
A series of emergencies, including a car overturn in Santa Cruz, a fire in Funchal, and an assault, have engaged local firefighters in Madeira. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services on the island.
News
Aug 6, 20263 min read
Multiple Emergencies in Funchal: Fires and Assaults Prompt Rapid Response
A series of incidents, including fires and an assault, kept the Funchal emergency services busy. Fires were reported at two locations, while a separate incident involved an assault on a man in the city center.
News
Aug 6, 20263 min read
Multiple Emergencies Strike Madeira: Fires and Accidents Demand Swift Response
On August 5, 2026, Madeira faced multiple emergencies, including wildfires near homes and the airport, and a workplace accident. Local fire brigades responded promptly to these incidents.
News
Aug 5, 20263 min read
Multiple Incidents in Madeira: Fires and Workplace Accident
Madeira witnessed two separate fires and a workplace accident on August 5, 2026. Local fire departments swiftly responded to these incidents, ensuring safety and minimizing damage.
News
Aug 4, 20263 min read
High Fire Risk Alert Issued for Madeira's Forests Amid Heatwave
The Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has issued a high fire risk alert for the mountainous regions of Madeira due to extreme heat conditions. Residents and tourists are urged to exercise caution.
News
Jul 30, 20263 min read
Civil Protection Warns of Heat and Fire Risks During Madeira Rally
The Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service has issued a warning about high temperatures and increased risk of fires during the Madeira Rally 2026. Residents and tourists are advised to take precautions.
News
Jul 30, 20263 min read
JPP Criticizes Delay in Arrival of Second Aerial Firefighting Unit in Madeira
JPP accuses Quinta Vigia of complicity in the delay of the second aerial firefighting unit, crucial for Madeira's wildfire management.
News
Jul 29, 20263 min read
JPP Accuses Quinta Vigia of Delaying Firefighting Aerial Support in Madeira
The Juntos Pelo Povo party criticizes Quinta Vigia for delaying the arrival of a second firefighting helicopter in Madeira, originally promised for July 2025.
News
Jul 28, 20262 min read
Mainland Portugal Faces High Fire Risk Amidst Rising Temperatures
Mainland Portugal is under a high fire risk alert as almost all districts face extreme or very high danger due to soaring temperatures, raising concerns for residents and tourists alike.
News
Jul 27, 20263 min read
Firefighters Battle Wildfires in Madeira Amid Challenging Conditions
Firefighters from multiple brigades are actively battling wildfires in Madeira Island, with blazes reported in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol. Strong winds and difficult terrain complicate their efforts.
News
Jul 26, 20264 min read
Firefighting Efforts Underway Across Madeira: Wildfires Challenge Local Services
Firefighters across Madeira are battling multiple wildfires, including significant incidents in Ribeira Brava and Ponta do Sol, as well as a separate accident in São Vicente. The community rallies to support these critical operations.
News
Jul 20, 20263 min read
Union Condemns Suspension of Night Service for Machico Firefighters
The National Civil Protection Union (SNPC) expresses deep indignation over the suspension of night services for Machico's municipal firefighters, citing safety concerns.
News
Jul 19, 20263 min read
Emergency Response in Madeira: A Busy Day for Firefighters
Madeira's firefighters were kept on their toes with multiple incidents including a man trapped in Nazaré Forest, a fire near São Tiago beach, and a crumbling wall at Levada do Bom Sucesso.
News
Jul 19, 20263 min read
Emergency Incidents Prompt Swift Response from Madeira Firefighters
In recent days, Madeira's firefighters have been busy addressing various emergencies, from a man trapped in a local park to a fire by the sea and a crumbling wall along a popular hiking route.
News
Jul 18, 20263 min read
Emergency Responses in Madeira: Rescues, Fires, and Infrastructure Concerns
Recent incidents in Madeira highlight the responsiveness of local emergency services, including a rescue operation in Mata da Nazaré, a fire near São Tiago beach, and infrastructure concerns at Levada do Bom Sucesso.
News
Jul 17, 20263 min read
CDS-PP Machico Criticizes Nighttime Reduction in Fire Brigade's Operational Capacity
CDS-PP Machico has voiced concerns over a nighttime reduction in the operational capacity of the Machico Municipal Fire Brigade, effective August 1st, due to a court ruling.
News
Jul 7, 20263 min read
High Fire Risk in Over a Hundred Municipalities Across Portugal
Over a hundred municipalities in northern and central Portugal are at maximum fire risk today, with additional areas under high alert, according to IPMA.