Forest fire season ends with tally of 160,000 hectares destroyed
Forest fire season ends with tally of 160,000 hectares destroyed
02 October 2016
published by http://www.theportugalnews.com
Portugal The most critical period for forest fires in Portugal officially came to an end with a total of over 160,000 hectares destroyed, or more than double the average in the last eight years, according to the European Forest Fire Information System.
In the so-called charlie period, which began on 1 July, over 9,708 firefighters, 2,235 teams and 47 aircraft were used.
According to Portugals National Institute for Nature and Forest Conservation (ICNF), 10,334 forest fires were recorded until 31 August, 2,760 fewer than in the same period of 2015, although the area destroyed was larger.
These figures do not include forest fires that occurred in the second week of August in Madeira, which killed three people and drove hundreds of people from their homes, particularly in the islands main city, Funchal.
According to a statement from the Judiciary Police issued on Thursday, so far this year the force has identified and detained 80 people for starting fires in forests.
