In statements to journalists following a meeting with the League of Portuguese Firefighters (LBP) in Lisbon, António Filipe expressed that it is “very fair” to hold “tributes and calls” for firefighters but emphasized that “recognition in words is not enough.”
“This recognition should also be translated into actions, particularly in improving the social status of firefighters so that more young people are motivated to pursue firefighting as a career. We need this, the country needs this,” he argued.
António Filipe noted that, despite the various categories of firefighters in Portugal, such as sapadores or municipal firefighters, the “backbone” of the civil protection system is the humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters.
“I believe more incentives should be provided to attract young people and to enhance the firefighting career, and the State must not skimp on material support for firefighting associations,” he insisted, highlighting that the equipment used by firefighters, such as vehicles and personal protective gear, is “very costly.”
“Therefore, any support the State can provide to firefighting associations should be given. I believe that firefighters should be able to count on the country as much as the country counts on the firefighters,” he stated, also acknowledging the “dedication, selflessness, and even heroism” displayed by firefighters this week in facing “large-scale fires” in Portugal.
When questioned about what might be lacking in addressing the fires in Portugal, António Filipe mentioned that in years “particularly hot” with “severe consequences,” commissions are formed to produce “very detailed reports and many recommendations.”
“Then we see if the recommendations were followed and find that many were not, especially concerning year-round fire prevention. It is not in August that rural fire prevention is done,” he emphasized, pointing out that “the underlying, more structural issue is the lack of compliance with resolutions that various commissions have been making for decades.”
When asked about the role a President of the Republic might play in this matter, António Filipe acknowledged that, in addition to “naturally following the country’s problems, the President should also have an active voice in addressing these issues.”
“Not just in solidarity with the populations or in recognition and solidarity with the firefighters—all of that is important, and the President should do that—but I believe the President can take the initiative in bringing entities together and encouraging governments in authority to ensure better forest fire prevention.”
Similarly, LBP President António Nunes also stated that regarding forest fires, “words of appreciation and recognition” for firefighters are expressed, but those words need to translate into action.
“We need more actions that ensure the survival of volunteerism, that our volunteer firefighters are equipped with the necessary resources to continue aiding populations, and that during difficult times like those the country is facing, everyone knows they can count on their firefighters,” he said, thanking António Filipe for his work in support of firefighters, notably during his time as a deputy.
