In a publication on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa announced that he has enacted a government decree establishing support measures to mitigate the impact of rural fires.
On Thursday, during an extraordinary meeting of the Council of Ministers in Viseu, the Government approved a framework of 45 measures to be adopted in large-scale fire situations, affecting heritage and the economy of families and businesses. The intention is to swiftly and efficiently implement support measures for the affected regions and individuals.
Among the measures is financial support to enhance agricultural productive potential and exceptional support for farmers to compensate for losses, even through undocumented expenses, up to a maximum of 10,000 euros. There are also treasury supports for companies directly impacted by the fires, exemption from social security contributions, and support for those maintaining jobs.
After the Council of Ministers, Luís Montenegro addressed the Portuguese people, announcing a package of 45 measures to support people and businesses affected by the fires, including the exemption of user fees, which have been abolished since 2022.
Additionally, support was approved for the reconstruction of primary residences affected by recent rural fires, with funding covering 100% of costs up to 250,000 euros.
The Government also announced a new legislative tool to act as a framework law for situations like major rural fires, allowing the opening of a call for tenders to support municipalities in the rapid repair of infrastructure.
Since July, mainland Portugal has been hit by several large-scale rural fires, especially in the North and Center regions.
The fires have already claimed four lives, including a firefighter, and resulted in several injuries, some serious, as well as the total or partial destruction of primary and secondary residences, agricultural and livestock operations, and forest areas.
According to provisional official data, around 248,000 hectares have burned in the country by August 23.
