Madeira's second firefighting helicopter starts work on Thursday
The lighter aircraft will join Madeira's rural-fire response from 1 October to 30 November, with a five-firefighter team and a 750-litre water bucket.
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Archived 12 September 2026The extra aircraft strengthens initial attack capacity, but residents must still report smoke promptly and follow evacuation or access instructions.
- The operational period is 1 October to 30 November.
- The aircraft is intended for rapid initial attack on rural fires.
- It can carry five firefighters and a 750-litre water bucket.
- The existing helicopter remains available for firefighting and rescue duties.
What the new aircraft adds
Madeira's Civil Protection service says the lighter helicopter should be able to take off quickly and reach incidents across the island within a short response window. It can operate alone on a small incident or work with the larger aircraft already based in the region.
The contract covers two months and arrived later than the summer timetable originally discussed. The Government says it wants the second aircraft available from the start of the critical period in 2027, but that is a future objective rather than a confirmed contract.
An extra helicopter does not remove local risk
Firefighting aircraft depend on visibility, wind, terrain and safe operating conditions. People should not delay an emergency call because they expect an aircraft to solve the incident.
Follow the regional fire-danger information, restrictions on burning and instructions from Civil Protection. Keep access clear for emergency vehicles and never approach an active fire to watch the response.
What you can do now.
- 01
Use 112 immediately if you see an uncontrolled fire.
- 02
Check regional fire restrictions before outdoor work.
- 03
Follow evacuation and road-closure instructions without delay.
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