BREAKING: Horror wildfires break out in idyllic Portuguese tourist hotspot

 

HUNDREDS of people have been evacuated from their homes as massive wildfires sweep through a Portuguese holiday hotspot popular with Britons.

At least 27 homes have been destroyed on the island of Madeira, off the north-west coast of Africa.

Up to 400 people had been evacuated from their homes and 174 were hurt.

  

Terrifying photos show entire swathes of hillsides in flames as firefighters struggle to contain the outbreaks.

More than 3,000 firefighters spent Tuesday night combatting blazes near the island’s capital, Funchal.

Fires are difficult to reach because of the idyllic island’s steep hills, according to fire service chiefs.

Shocking footage shows a neighbourhood on Madeira engulfed in flames.

 Firefighters and volunteers struggle to contain the all-encompassing blaze.

But it is not just Madeira affected by the horror fires.

Other tourist destinations have seen outbreaks as temperatures top 86F (30C) and arid conditions in forests make flames likely.

 

 

 

The capital, Lisbon, was shrouded in smoke yesterday after woods in the region burst into flames.

More than 500 blazes are believed to be active in the country, which is 1.4 times smaller than England.

More to follow...