The mission to support the development and well-being of populations is crucial, especially during a period typically known from May to November, when efforts focus on prevention, combat, and surveillance of potential wildfires, stated General José Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of the General Staff (CEMGFA), in Alcanena, Santarém district.
The CEMGFA today visited the Armed Forces’ setup for Surveillance, Detection, and Support in Combating Rural Fires in the municipalities of Alcanena and Lousã, noting that military personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force coordinate under the joint military operations command directed by him.
“We have various intervention methods. The first is surveillance and detection. In this respect, the three branches cooperate complementarily. The Navy and Army with their patrols and the Air Force with aerial elements, notably unmanned aerial systems and helicopters,” he stated.
The general also highlighted other intervention areas, particularly the provision of resources as needed, such as engineering equipment to create firebreaks and support firefighting efforts during a blaze, he exemplified.
He further emphasized the daily commitment of 19 military patrols (16 from the Army and 3 from the Navy) in forest surveillance, wildfire deterrence, and public awareness initiatives. Since May, this operation has involved 1,457 military personnel, and by November, it is projected to have engaged about six thousand troops.
When asked about the increase in military presence this year, José Nunes da Fonseca remarked that the deployment will remain roughly the same as last year, involving about six thousand military personnel in 1,500 patrols over approximately six months, describing it as a significant effort.
The CEMGFA noted that the resources are adequate for the task, highlighting that the military branches have their simultaneous operational activities.
“I would say the commitment of the Navy, Army, and Air Force, under these circumstances, aligns with their current capabilities. This is a very specific operational activity supporting security, population development, and fire prevention, but it is compatible with our capabilities,” he concluded.
