In September 2006, several fire departments battled large-scale fires on the island of Madeira.
One blaze broke out in a clearing near the Bemposta neighborhood in Água de Pena, after midnight on September 6. The fight against the flames lasted all night, with residents assisting firefighters to protect homes.
The fire spread rapidly through pine and eucalyptus forests, threatening populated areas. Eight families from the Bemposta neighborhood were rehoused due to flare-ups that endangered prefabricated homes. Firefighters also worked on prevention in Caniço and fought flare-ups at Cabo da Ponta do Pargo and in Achadas da Cruz on the island's west side.
