On June 17, 2017, Portugal experienced one of the greatest disasters in its recent history, the Pedrógão Grande forest fires, a motion of condolence introduced by the PSD in parliament recalls.
“The loss of lives and the suffering of the survivors and their families and friends persist among all those who directly experienced this tragedy, as well as in our collective memory,” reads the text.
The motion notes that, “by resolution of the Assembly of the Republic in 2019, June 17 was established as the National Day in Memory of the Victims of Forest Fires.”
“As we approach eight years since one of the most devastating fires on record in the country in 2025, we commemorate this day, dedicating it to the memory of the many victims who lost their lives in 2017, and also to all the men, women, and children survivors who, so many years later, continue to suffer physical and psychological scars that will mark them forever,” it laments.
The deputies also wanted to pay tribute and recognition “to all the women and men, especially the firefighters, who, through their tireless work, often in conditions beyond the limits of human physical and psychological capacity and endurance, and often risking their own lives, tried to minimize the effects of this tragedy.”
The community of Pedrógão Grande is also praised for supporting the victims despite “scarce means and resources,” with a “very special reference” to the Pedrógão Grande Fire Victims Association, “which has been carrying out commendable work in support, solidarity, and defense of the victims’ rights over these years.”
Through this motion, the Assembly of the Republic reiterated “its condolences to all those who lost their lives, and its solidarity with the survivors, families, and the entire community affected by the Pedrógão Grande fire.”
