The 2025 financial directive, which dictates the state’s contribution to expenses arising from firefighter interventions in various operational civil protection units, specifically the Special Device for Combating Rural Fires (DECIR), was sent to firefighter corporations last Thursday by the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) following approval by the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Paulo Simões Ribeiro.
In statements to Lusa, the president of the League, António Nunes, expressed that this financial directive “was imposed” and, for the first time, had been approved “without consultation of the firefighters’ representatives.”
According to António Nunes, traditionally, the financial directive is discussed annually with firefighters before being approved by the authorities, which did not occur this year.
In addition to challenging the organization of the directive and the manner in which it was approved, the LBP (League of Portuguese Firefighters) also “disagrees with the figures presented” for compensating volunteer firefighters participating in DECIR, who will receive 75 euros per day.
António Nunes stated that the League “wants the hourly rate paid to firefighters to align with the national minimum wage,” an amount that is currently paid by INEM to firefighters.
Although the financial directive neither requires approval nor is subject to review by the National Civil Protection Commission, the LBP intends to bring this issue to the commission’s meeting today, held at the ANEPC headquarters in Carnaxide (Oeiras) and presided over by the Secretary of State for Civil Protection.
António Nunes noted that the League will express its dissatisfaction with the document at the meeting.
The financial directive also covers the expenses of volunteer firefighters for meals, fuel, and individual protective equipment, as well as the costs for the repair or damage of equipment and operational vehicles.
Lusa contacted the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding when the financial directive would take effect and the anticipated amounts, but no response was received as of yet.
Today’s meeting of the National Civil Protection Commission is set to approve the National Operational Directive (DON) that establishes this year’s Special Device for Combating Rural Fires.
