The Federation of Firefighters of the Setúbal District expressed “outrage” over the ongoing absence of helicopters at the Air Resources Centers of Grândola and Ourique in the Alentejo region in a statement on Wednesday.
These resources, which bolster the fire response capability in this area, “should have been operational since June 1,” the federation warned.
The federation emphasized the “undeniable” strategic importance of these resources, especially with the peak fire season approaching, as they enhance the “response capability” in the initial attack on fires.
The statement followed comments from the mayors of Grândola, Ourique, and Moura, highlighting concerns over the lack of firefighting aircraft and urging urgent resolution.
The deployment of helicopters in these municipalities was scheduled for the beginning of this month as part of the 2025 Special Device for Combatting Rural Fires (DECIR).
Today, the firefighters’ federation demanded the “immediate deployment and full operational status of aerial resources” in Grândola and Ourique, asserting that “the safety of the population and the protection of territory must be the authorities’ top priority.”
Antonio Figueira Mendes, the mayor of Grândola, described the lack of aerial support as a “concerning situation,” given the anticipated challenges of the summer wildfire season.
Figueira Mendes stated that he had requested an explanation from the Regional Command of Emergency and Civil Protection for Alentejo Litoral but would further pursue clarification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Similarly, the Ourique municipality voiced “deep concern” about the absent helicopter, with Mayor Marcelo Guerreiro highlighting its significance in local and regional fire combat.
Guerreiro noted that while previous years saw the timely arrival of aerial resources as planned, this year, following communication with the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC), he was informed the helicopter might not arrive until at least next month.
Consequently, the Ourique municipality intends to urge Ministry of Internal Affairs Maria Lúcia Amaral and ANEPC to take necessary steps to expedite the helicopter’s deployment.
On Facebook, Moura’s mayor announced learning from ANEPC’s president that the tender for his area’s helicopter resource remained unfulfilled and that the Air Force would “soon call a new tender.”
Álvaro Azedo expressed his “concern” about the lack of the helicopter and the fire season, stating his “disappointment” with the government.
