The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, announced today at a press conference in Viseu, following an extraordinary Council of Ministers, a “new legislative instrument” to be adopted in situations similar to those experienced by the country in recent weeks.
Among the 45 measures approved is financial support for “capitalizing on the agricultural productive potential and exceptional aid to farmers to compensate for damages, even through undocumented expenses,” with a maximum of 10,000 euros.
Montenegro emphasized that this is an agile process, where municipal councils and the CCDR — Regional Coordination and Development Commissions will identify damages and allocate funds up to 10,000 euros to reimburse the affected individuals.
Responding to journalists, Montenegro mentioned that the Ministers of Economy, Castro Almeida, and Agriculture, José Manuel Fernandes, have been in contact with local authorities to assess the damages.
The Minister of Agriculture and Sea acknowledged this afternoon a “significant problem” with chestnut groves destroyed by fires, noting that a chestnut tree takes more than 15 years to yield but promised support for the producers.
“My main concern is how we will support income since a chestnut tree takes 15 or 16 years to provide yield, while other crops are quicker. But all this is being addressed,” stated José Manuel Fernandes.
The Minister of Agriculture and Sea was speaking to journalists following a meeting this morning in Sernancelhe, Viseu district, with local leaders from about 30 municipalities in the North of the country affected by the fires.
Despite noting that the figures are preliminary, Montenegro indicated that the damages caused by the fires are, so far, five times greater than those reported in 2024.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by numerous large-scale rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Central regions.
The fires have caused three deaths, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some serious, and have partially or totally destroyed first and second homes, as well as agricultural and livestock holdings and forest areas.
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has two Fire Boss planes, with two more Canadair planes expected to arrive on Friday.
According to provisional official data, by August 21, 234,000 hectares had burned in the country, more than 50,000 of which were in the Arganil fire alone.
[Updated at 21:32]
