The two Swedish firefighting aircraft operating in Portugal have been engaged in action since this morning in Sabugal, the Civil Protection has announced, as it continues to activate the cross-border cooperation protocol with Spain.
During a press conference held today, the Deputy National Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, José Ribeiro, stated, “The two medium Fire Boss aircraft that arrived from Sweden within the framework of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, began operations this morning at the Sabugal operational theater, where they remain active as of 18:30.”
Northern Spain has experienced several wildfires in recent days, leading to at least one major incident in Portugal, in Montalegre.
José Ribeiro noted, “The mutual aid protocol between Portugal and Spain for the border areas has been followed, particularly during these days.”
“We operate automatically within the 25-kilometer line, both within Spanish and Portuguese territory, in an interaction that is automatic and natural,” he added.
José Ribeiro mentioned that after a week of intense efforts in combating fires in the central and northern regions of the country, fatigue is beginning to set in.
“Within our operational concept, it is planned for teams to be relieved after a certain period, and this is an issue analyzed by all entities involved in the device,” he stated.
“In the more complex operational theaters, highlighting the occurrence in Piódão, we have established rest areas for the operatives in collaboration with the Portuguese Red Cross to manage the effort on the ground,” added the Deputy National Commander of Civil Protection.
[Updated at 20h41]
