During the opening of a local accommodation in Funchal, the official emphasized the need for a public tender, noting that this summer Madeira will likely rely on the aerial resource already available through the Regional Civil Protection Service, funded by the regional budget.
“We have ours. I’m glad I made the decision to pay for it,” he stated, offering no further details.
A second state-funded firefighting aircraft was scheduled to operate in the region starting July 1. However, Albuquerque pointed out delays in the process, citing early legislative elections and the inauguration of the new government as reasons.
Since 2018, Madeira has maintained a permanent aerial resource within the Regional Civil Protection Service, which supports firefighting efforts and is also used for rescue operations.
