In total, seven houses were affected, six of which were in the municipality of Calheta, in the west, and one in the municipality of Porto Moniz, on the north coast, the most affected by the fires, which broke out on Wednesday.

According to the regional secretary, Pedro Ramos, the four homeless people, temporarily sheltered in family homes, are residents of the parishes of Ponta do Pargo and Fajã de Ovelha, in Calheta.

“At this moment, there are no active fires. We are in the aftermath and active surveillance phase”, said the government official at a press conference at the Regional Civil Protection Service, in Funchal.

“Seven affected houses have been identified. In Calheta, there are six: two completely damaged houses, three damaged houses and one vacant house”, said Pedro Ramos. “The four people who are homeless are in the homes of family and friends and the Housing Institute of Madeira and the municipality continue to take actions to ensure relocation”.

Following the fires, 72 people received medical assistance and 20 psychological support, but there were no reports of serious injuries.