“The device available today to our local communities and the entire Civil Protection structure is equivalent to the device adopted in other years and, given the State’s capabilities, it is a good and qualified device,” stated José Luís Carneiro, former Minister of Internal Administration, following a meeting with José Manuel Moura, President of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC).
For the PS leader, “it is necessary for everyone to contribute” to “prevent ignitions,” which is where “the effectiveness of the firefighting device’s response” lies.
“As seen in the recent court ruling that acquitted all those under judicial review regarding the Pedrógão fires, there are now [climate change] phenomena beyond our capabilities and forecasts by all authorities,” he noted.
José Luís Carneiro believes that “the effort of cooperation and trust among all system actors is essential to ensure an adequate response to these needs.”
The former Minister of Internal Administration explained his visit and meeting was to show “the support and solidarity of the PS” to the men and women across the country ensuring safety, particularly against fires.
“The human resources deployed on the ground are in line with what has been done in recent years, representing a significant national commitment to our communities’ safety. There are diverse responsibilities on the table, such as cleaning operations,” he stated.
For José Luís Carneiro, it is crucial that cleaning along roads and infrastructures is carried out.
“There are many places in the country where it is clear that cleaning needs to be done, so it’s essential for all entities responsible for assets to fulfill their duties, encouraging individuals to follow their example,” he argued.
On other current topics, like health issues, the PS leader deferred the party’s position until after the PS National Secretariat meeting, scheduled for today, following last Saturday’s election.
On July 1, the rural firefighting device was enhanced to reach its full capacity, deploying 11,161 operational staff and 69 aircraft, seven fewer than anticipated by Civil Protection.
The National Operational Directive (DON), which sets the Special Rural Firefighting Device (DECIR) for this year, indicates a third reinforcement today with the activation of the ‘reinforced — Delta level,’ extending until September 30.
The DECIR planned for this period includes 79 aircraft, three of which are helicopters from AFOCELCA (a forestry protection company focused on rural firefighting).
However, the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) informed that from today it has 71 aircraft available, with two light helicopters currently in maintenance and thus inoperative.
