Miguel Albuquerque rejects criticism and speaks of arson

The President of the Regional Government, who arrived this evening on board the “Lobo Marinho” from Porto Santo, visited the fire command centre in Curral das Freiras earlier this evening and stressed that he did not underestimate the need to ask the Republic for help, stressing that the region was unfortunately once again struggling with arson.

Miguel Albuquerque spoke to RTP-Madeira and said that they are waiting for the arrival of the special unit sent by the Republic, which is expected to arrive at 1:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. Some 76 personnel have been called to help and it is clear that the solution to the problem will also depend on the evolution of weather conditions, trying to contain the spread of the fire in urban areas to protect people and property.

He stressed that the chance of containing the fire in urban areas is much greater if the wind moves north. “We will be there all night with the teams to monitor it and try to contain it. If it spreads north, in this area it will reach the Areeiro area, so there will be no houses left there, but everything depends on circumstances that we cannot control.”

The fire is being monitored by drone footage so that the development of the flames can be followed, the president said.

“Unfortunately, this arson cannot be brought under control, it is impossible,” he lamented, recalling that Madeira is already used to such situations. He refused to point the finger at the suspicion that the arson was caused by a rocket detonated in the village of Serra de Água, saying that this situation must be investigated by the authorities.

From Diário Notícias

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