Madeira Islands wildfire kills three in burned homes

Men spray water on the roofs of houses to protect them from an approaching fire in Curral dos Romeiros, on the outskirts of Funchal, on the Madeira island, Portugal, Tuesday, Aug. 9 2016. Flames from forest fires licked at homes around Funchal, casting a smoke plume over the downtown and forcing the evacuation of more than 400 people. (AP Photo/Helder Santos)

A WILDFIRE that broke out in Portugal's Madeira Islands on Monday has killed three elderly people in their burned homes,authorities said.

Miguel Albuquerque, head of Madeira’s regional government, said the three died early this morning in two houses that were badly burned.

The blaze, fuelled by hot weather and strong winds, forced the evacuation of around 1,000 locals and tourists in the islands off north-western Africa and has spread into the captial, Funchal.

Mr Albuquerque said more than 300 people have required medical treatment for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Those who evacuated were taken to an army barracks, a football stadium, and a civic centre on the island.

Firefighters said the steep hills and dense woodlands of the island has made it difficult to extinguish the flames.

Mr Albuquerque said officials suspect the fire was started deliberately, and police have made two arrests.

He said reinforcements, including firefighters and doctors, are due to arrive later on Wednesday from the Portuguese mainland.

The weather forecast is for cooler temperatures and a drop in the wind speed, which authorities hope will help extinguish the fire.

Fire services are at full stretch on the mainland, too, due to scores of wildfires that have raged since Saturday.