The 2016 Portugal wildfires were a series of wildfires that burned across mainland Portugal and the Madeira archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean during August 2016, prompting the evacuation of more than one thousand people and destroying at least 37 homes near Funchal on Madeira Island. Flights at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport were also disrupted due to high levels of smoke.
At least seven major fires were reported to be out of control in northern Portugal on August 9. According to officials, the fires of Arouca and São Pedro do Sul were the biggest. Over 4,200 firefighters, backed by 30 aircraft, including some sent by Italy, Spain, and Morocco, battled fires across the mainland. An emergency was declared in Portugal's northern Norte Region as firefighters battled numerous wildfires.
On 9 August 2016, a fire, allegedly caused by arson, started at the S. Roque parish in Madeira. It quickly spread throughout the region of Southern Madeira and to its capital Funchal. Though still burning in several fronts, according to Madeira's regional president Miguel Albuquerque, the fire was "under control". The statement was later qualified.
Four deaths were attributed to the wildfire as well as the displacement of one thousand people. The five-star hotel "Choupana Hills Resort & Spa" was also gutted by the flames. Three suspects of arson are currently detained and one of them is currently in pre-trial detention.
One of the most affected municipalities during the 2016 Portugal wildfires is considered to be Arouca. It is reported that the Auroca fire was the result of multiple fires, that covered 26,821 hectares of land total. Simultaneously occurring between the 6th and August 15th, they affected Arouca, Castelo de Paiva, Vale de Cambra and São Pedo do Sul. No casualties were reported as some residents, including the most vulnerable ones, were evacuated.
Authorities had evacuated "Choupana Hills Resort & Spa" hotel, giving public servants a day off to assist in the relocation of people from fires. Two hospitals and two elderly homes had been also evacuated, sheltering 950 people in army barracks and schools around the island.
The hashtag #PrayForPortugal trended on social media in response to the wildfires.
The South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue service in the United Kingdom sent a large amount of specialist equipment to volunteer colleagues in Portugal after an appeal for equipment. The shipment included hose-reel fittings, ropes, and tools. The European Union helped Portugal combat the wildfires. Italy and Spain sent three Canadair airplanes. Morocco also sent two Canadair airplanes. East Timor donated â¬2M to Portugal to help fight the fires and to help the victims. Russia was also expected to send air help due to a bilateral agreement between the two countries. Cristiano Ronaldo also donated ã100,000 to his hometown of Funchal.