LISBON (WAM)
The fire that raged on several fronts in Madeira for 11 days is finally under control and in the dampening down phase, albeit small reignitions are to be expected, regional commander of Civil Protection, António Nunes, told Portugal's Lusa News Agency last night.
“The fire is under control, it is now in the aftermath phase. There are still some hot spots and there may be some minor flare-ups, which is normal”, he said
Firefighters will remain on the ground to control the situation – but it is finally time for teams to be ‘relieved’ and the days of high tension to relax.
“The teams are exhausted”, said Nunes, but buoyed by the results, and the fact that the region has been visited by 100% humidity and dense fog, which will be a “great help” to the overall picture.
Nunes put the fire at 98% contained between 8pm and 9pm yesterday evening.