The humanitarian associations are spending substantial amounts of money and are urging us to liaise with the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority to expedite the evaluation of these expenses and initiate payments promptly, avoiding a wait of 20, 30, or 40 days,” stated the president of LBP to Lusa.
António Nunes explained that when dealing with minor fires, the humanitarian associations of firefighters can accommodate supplier expenses in their budgets for a short period. This is not the case for large-scale forest fires, such as those in Ponte da Barca, Arouca, Trancoso, or Vila Real.
The president of LBP refrained from specifying the amount owed, as it is still being calculated.
“It’s several thousand,” he assured, illustrating that if the benchmark is ten euros per meal, feeding 2,000 firefighters would require 40,000 euros per day and 400,000 for ten days.
Lusa questioned the ANEPC this afternoon and is awaiting a response.
According to information available on this authority’s website, as of 5:00 PM today, over 2,150 operatives were battling the six largest active fires in mainland Portugal, supported by 682 vehicles and 23 aerial means.
Portugal has been on alert due to the risk of rural fires since August 2.
