Case Archived on Oct. 30, 2025 - Court Found No Proven Author of Rocket Launch
The court formally closedthe criminal case onthe wildfires that ravaged Madeira last year, after prosecutors failed to present evidence that proved who launched the rocket tied to the wildfire. Local reporting said the court record was unable to hold either of the two defendants accountable.
The authorship of the rocket launch that started the fire was not proven
Investigation Found a Rocket Started the Blaze but Not the Launcher
Investigators concluded that a rocket launched during a family gathering was the source, but the prosecution did not produce proof linking that act to either suspect in court. As a result, both defendants were left free of criminal charges when the case was archived.
Pedro Ramos did not deny that Miguel Albuquerque had returned to the neighboring island where he is vacationing. He made a point of assuring that even while on break, the head of the government continues to monitor the evolution of the fire on the island of Madeira.
Diário de Notícias da Madeira, 19.August 2024
Fire Began on August 14, 2024, and Burned More Than 5,000 Hectares Over 13 Days
The wildfire began on August 14, 2024, in the Serra de Água area of Madeira and quickly grew because of high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds. Satellite and monitoring systems estimated the burned area at more than 5,000 hectares, and the main emergency phase lasted about 13 days. The president was heavily criticized for resuming a Porto Santo holiday and spending time on the beach while the fires further escalated.
Spain Provided Two Canadair Planes; Fire Declared Extinguished on August 26, 2024
Portugal activated international help, and the European Civil Protection Mechanism arranged for two Canadair water-bomber planes from Spain to assist on August 22, 2024. Authorities reported the fire was declared extinguished around August 26, 2024, after intense work by local crews and international resources.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments