Scores of people have been evacuated from their homes in Madeira, Portugal due to forest fires.
The fire began on Wednesday and has been raging ever since with firefighters desperately tackling the blaze.
The evacuations have taken place as a precaution while authorities continue to monitor the situation.
A press conference was held in which the locations of the fires were given. So far these are Serra de Água, Encumeada, Ribeira Brava, and Paul da Serra.
The 160 people evacuated have comfortable conditions and are being taken care of. Concerns were initially raised over smoke inhalation, but so far there have been no casualties and no essential infrastructure destroyed.
Authorities have said their priorities are to safeguard the people and properties. The most severe part of the fire was recorded in Curral das Freiras where the flames first spread to.
Firebreaks and containment lines are being created in Paul da Serra and near Estalagem da Encumeada. There are plans in place to continue tackling the blaze in critical areas.
There are also fears of a landslide which are being monitored by regional governments to minimise the potential for this to happen.
It has been reported that 195 firefighters were battling the blaze, supported by 38 vehicles and existing aerial resources in the region. More forces and specialist personnel are expected to arrive.
The regional government has been criticised for their response to the fire, but they have dismissed these claims, reinforcing that there have not been any casualties or affected homes.
Those who have been forced to flee have expressed their emotion in leaving their homes. Some elderly people have fled to live with their children until it is safe for them to move back.
