The scourge of fires in Portugal has persisted for decades, affecting various governments, ministers, and State Secretaries for Forests, becoming a chronic issue, according to Vítor Poças, president of the Association of Portuguese Wood and Furniture Industries (AIMMP). Speaking to the press, he highlighted the failure to find a comprehensive solution to this economic, social, and environmental crisis.
The organization noted that nighttime ignitions are increasingly reported and that propagation conditions have worsened as the forests are somewhat neglected, leading to smaller, less profitable plots of land, which reduces public interest in maintaining them.
AIMMP states that natural ignitions account for between 0.5% and 1% of fires, with some areas in Portugal having burned as many as seven times.
Vítor Poças expressed dismay that the industry has been unfairly targeted, whereas it could effectively “protect, care for, and ensure the security” of forests.
The state of alert declared multiple times by the government in response to fires prohibits activities in forest areas that involve machinery, such as blade or disc metal brush cutters, underbrush clearing tools, and machines with blades or front shovels.
“The justification given is that the machines could pose an ignition risk. However, that risk is minimal, and when such incidents occur, they are swiftly controlled, preventing them from turning into a fire,” he stated.
The wood industry association emphasized that the main issue is related to arson, often initiated when planes cannot operate, in inaccessible locations, sometimes with ignition points spaced every 100 meters.
They advocate for enhanced forest surveillance and security, improved access creation, and the consolidation of plots by companies, cooperatives, or associations to establish profitable units capable of retaining talent.
Additionally, Vítor Poças called for more equipment to boost productivity for those working in the forests and increased investment in the Judiciary Police.
This should be complemented by refinements in legal consequences, allowing judges easier application of penalties.
Since its foundation in 1957, AIMMP has represented all forest-based industries, excluding cellulose, paper, and cork sectors.
This summer, mainland Portugal was severely affected by large-scale rural fires since July, predominantly in the North and Center regions.
The fires resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, numerous injuries, and partially or completely destroyed homes, along with agricultural establishments and forest areas.
Provisional official data reveals that approximately 252,000 hectares have burned as of August 29.
