Funchal police investigate new fire in Zona Velha

A new fire broke out this morning in a building adjacent to one previously damaged by flames between Friday and Saturday in the Zona Velha area of Funchal. The incident occurred on Rua da Boa Viagem, near the Mercado dos Lavradores, prompting a significant mobilization of emergency services.

The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária) have been called to investigate the circumstances of the blaze. Authorities are considering two main possibilities: that remaining combustible materials from the previous fire caused the spread, or that the fire had an unknown cause. While the building was reported to be unoccupied at the time of the alert, its recent habitation status remains unconfirmed.

Emergency response included 25 personnel and nine vehicles from the Funchal Sapadores, Madeira Volunteers, and Santa Cruz firefighters. The fire caused traffic disruptions, including partial closures of Rua D. Carlos I and Rua Latino Coelho. Operations have moved into the cooling phase, with crews monitoring wooden structures to prevent further reignition.