Authorities in the Autonomous Region of Madeira have reported 302 rural fire incidents between January 1 and September 26, 2026. Of this total, 253 were classified as bush fires.
Câmara de Lobos municipality recorded the highest number of incidents, with 71 fires, 58 of which were in bush areas. Ribeira Brava followed with 58, Santa Cruz with 46, Funchal with 42, Ponta do Sol with 31, Machico with 29, and Calheta with 14. Other municipalities reported lower numbers.
Compared to previous years, there has been a decrease from 2019, when 671 rural fires were counted. These figures come after a summer with above-average temperatures, marking the third hottest summer on record at Funchal Observatory and the second hottest in Porto Santo since 1961.
