During a speech at the Festa do Pontal in Calçadão da Quarteira, Algarve, Montenegro highlighted his concern for compatriots facing the “scourge” of forest fires. He attributed these events to “difficult and adverse” weather conditions, occasional “lack of care and negligence,” and at times, “criminal conduct.”
“We are exerting maximum effort to ensure no one is left alone, mobilizing all available resources to safeguard lives, health, and the heritage of our compatriots as well as our collective natural heritage,” he assured.
Montenegro emphasized a continuous response, “monitoring the situation round-the-clock,” with the support of “many women and men: firefighters, Civil Protection, GNR, forest sappers, the Armed Forces, all security forces, local authorities,” and “numerous anonymous citizens.”
“Our approach may be discreet, but trust that it is proximate and aimed to be as efficient and effective as possible. We are utilizing every possible means following thorough preparation regarding prevention and resource allocation for combat,” he stated.
He refrained from evaluating firefighting efforts at this stage, noting the country is “in the midst of a war” and such discussions should not take place “mid-war.”
“Let’s first win this war, save the people, our heritage, and our country, and we will be here to further improve in the future,” he remarked.
