Madeira on high wildfire alert as heat warning turns orange

The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN) has warned of very high wildfire risk in Madeira's mountainous areas, after IPMA raised its hot weather warning to orange until 6pm on Tuesday. Bonfires and burning are banned while the warning lasts, and use of spark-generating equipment such as brushcutters and chainsaws is discouraged. The IFCN also advises against camping in forest areas and urges caution on hiking trails due to heat-related risks. The road between Pico do Areeiro and Eira do Serrado remains closed for safety reasons. Authorities stress prevention as the best defence and note negligent behaviour remains a leading cause of wildfires.