In a joint statement, the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion and the Ministry of Agriculture and Sea report that assessments are being conducted by the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR) of the Center and North, the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV), and regional services of Agriculture and Sea, in coordination with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and Civil Protection.
The government states that the data collection aims to identify damages to agricultural holdings, homes, industries, and businesses, ensuring a rapid response with financial support.
“Through this, the needs for repairing the affected holdings, restoring productive potential, first affected homes, as well as industries and businesses are identified. The government, as it did in the September 2024 fires, will swiftly assist populations, farmers, producers, entrepreneurs, and those who suffered losses and damages in first homes, crops, livestock, and agricultural, industrial, and commercial equipment,” the statement explains.
The department also indicates that the DGAV has activated a permanent support line (213 329 621), available 24 hours, to report needs related to feed, shelter, and animal transport.
“From day one, the government has been actively supporting the populations,” said the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida, as quoted in the statement.
Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, assured that “farmers and affected communities will never be alone.”
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple rural fires since July, mainly in the Northern and Central regions, amid high temperatures that prompted the declaration of an alert situation since August 2.
The fires have resulted in two deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, mostly minor, and have completely or partially destroyed first and second homes, as well as agricultural and livestock holdings and forested areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which two Fire Boss planes arrived to bolster firefighting efforts.
According to provisional official data, over 201,000 hectares have burned in the country to date, surpassing the area burned throughout 2024.
