Algarve municipality takes action to hinder forest fires
Fire Prevention and Natural Heritage Preservation Meetings in Loulé, Portugal
In Loulé, Portugal, biweekly meetings are being held during the Enhanced Operational Commitment period, Delta Level, from June to September. These meetings are focused on fire prevention and the preservation of the region's natural heritage [1][3].
The purpose of these gatherings is to coordinate and enhance efforts to prevent forest fires and protect the region's environment. Participants include representatives from the local municipal authorities in the Algarve region, firefighting and emergency services, environmental agencies, and other regional stakeholders involved in fire prevention and environmental management [1].
The collaboration ensures timely information exchange, preparedness, and efficient response during the critical high-risk months. The meetings aim to promote integrated and concerted action to ensure the safety of the population and the preservation of natural heritage.
Key entities participating in these meetings include the Municipal Civil Protection Service, the National Republican Guard, the Loulé Municipal Fire Department, the Portuguese Army, the municipality's Parish Councils, the Serra do Caldeirão Forestry Producers Association, municipal companies (Infralobo, Infraquinta, and Inframoura), representatives of Hunting Associations and Clubs, and the organizational units of the Municipality of Loulé with relevant expertise in the area.
This coordinated approach has shown signs of success. In 2024, Loulé registered one of the lowest areas affected by fire in the past two decades, with under six hectares burned since records began in 2004. This initiative is a reflection of the Municipality of Loulé's commitment to managing land sustainably and minimizing the risk of rural fires.
These meetings are part of a commitment period aimed at addressing responsibilities on the ground, and they are a testament to the municipality's dedication to fire prevention and natural heritage preservation. The meetings take place during the Enhanced Operational Commitment period, Delta Level, the most severe fire risk period usually between July 1 and September 30.
References: [1] Municipality of Loulé. (n.d.). Fire Prevention and Natural Heritage Preservation Meetings. Retrieved from https://loule.pt/pt/informacao/noticias/biweekly-meetings-focused-on-fire-prevention-and-natural-heritage-preservation [3] Portuguese Institute of Conservation and Forestry. (n.d.). Loulé's Fire Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.icnf.pt/pt/informacao/noticias/loules-fire-prevention-initiatives
The biweekly meetings in Loulé, Portugal, also discuss the role of environmental-science in addressing climate-change as it pertains to forest fires. The diligent efforts in these meetings extend to addressing environmental issues beyond fire prevention, such as the general-news surrounding the health of the environment and the implementation of sustainable practices. It's crucial to note that the meetings sometimes touch on crime-and-justice aspects related to arson cases, which can lead to severe forest fires and threaten the natural heritage.
