A major forest fire in Portugal’s Madeira Islands destroyed at least six homes and forced the evacuation Tuesday of more than 400 people from their homes and a hospital, officials said.

Fire service officials said Madeira’s steep hills and dense woodland made it hard to reach the flames. Police said they arrested a man suspected of starting the fire.

Eight firefighters in Madeira required medical treatment after inhaling smoke as high winds fueled the blaze in the island off northwest Africa. More than 200 patients were evacuated from a small hospital as a precaution, authorities said.

The National Civil Protection Service said 3,300 firefighters supported by 23 water-dumping aircraft were in action on the mainland.