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Madeira Wildfire Burns 5,700 Hectares, Portugal Seeks EU Aid

Aug 21, 2024, 05:58 PM

The Portuguese island of Madeira is grappling with a severe wildfire that has been burning for a week. The fire has already scorched over 5,700 hectares of forest, posing a significant threat to the island's UNESCO-listed Laurisilva forest. In response to the escalating situation, Portugal has sought assistance from its European Union partners to combat the blaze. Residents on the island are experiencing the direct impact of the wildfire, which continues to challenge local firefighting efforts.