“In the current operational theater, thousands of professionals have been tirelessly engaged in fighting and supporting the populations,” emphasizes SinFAP, emphasizing that these professionals have shown exemplary dedication in combating the fires.
The union highlights that the personnel involved include operational, technical assistants, senior technical assistants from municipal civil protection services, as well as the “operatives from the different forces involved in the fight against the fires,” alongside those managing emergency telecommunications and ensuring inspection and security actions.
“However, it is important to highlight that many of these professionals have already reached the legal limit of 60% of monthly overtime work, as stipulated by law, without the Government issuing successive alert declarations which would legitimize an exceptional framework,” the statement said.
In this regard, “exceptionally,” the union argues that the “overtime work performed at 100%” by these professionals should be recognized, “without prejudice to the established monthly limit.”
The union states that such recognition would be “fair” and “an unequivocal sign of appreciation for those who are daily on the front lines, ensuring the safety and protection of the population.”
Continental Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Center regions, amid high temperatures that led to the declaration of an alert situation since August 2.
The fires have claimed two lives, including a firefighter, injured several, mostly with minor injuries, and destroyed, in whole or in part, primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural, livestock operations, and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which two Fire Boss planes arrived to bolster the firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, more than 201,000 hectares had burned in the country by August 19, exceeding the total area burned throughout 2024.
