Fire Alarm reportedly arrives too tardily, according to Mariana Leitão's statement
Portugal Braces for High Fire Risk: Critics Call for Improved Prevention Strategies
Mainland Portugal is gearing up for a high fire risk period from Sunday to Thursday, as announced by the Minister of the Interior [1]. This alert situation has already led to the closure of monuments in Sintra and forest perimeters [2].
Amidst these concerns, Mariana Leitão, a leader from the IL party, has expressed her concern about a prolonged situation and highlighted operational issues with the central command and teams on the ground [1]. She emphasized the need for effective planning to address the problems, pointing out the importance of ensuring the safety of people, their resources, and the conditions of firefighters for effective action [3].
Diogo Matias, running for the presidency of the chamber, has also joined the chorus of voices calling for action. He urges the government to prevent the problem from recurring year after year [1]. The government, in response, has implemented strict preventive measures to combat the recurring high risk of forest fires [4].
These measures include prohibiting access, movement, and permanence in forest areas according to municipal fire defense plans, banning bonfires, fireworks, and use of electrical or other machinery in forests. The restrictions are complemented by suspending previously issued authorizations for such activities. Additionally, forest ranger staffing has been increased, and intensified ground and air patrols are being carried out in high-risk zones [4].
The bans cover burning cut and piled waste and the use of bladed brush cutters or machinery with blades or front shovels in rural forest areas, except when used for firefighting. Exceptions exist for some necessary agricultural and forestry work under strict conditions to mitigate fire risk. The government also emphasizes preparedness measures for affected citizens, including real-time air quality monitoring and advice to minimize smoke exposure [4].
These measures follow increased spending and efforts since the deadly 2017 fire season and aim to curb the destructive impact of frequent and severe wildfires driven by climate change. However, critics like Mariana Leitão from IL have implied the need for stricter and more sustained prevention strategies beyond acute alerts [1].
The current government approach combines regulatory prohibitions, enhanced monitoring, and public guidance to reduce fire incidences during extreme heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent due to rising global temperatures [1][2][3]. The Government is urged to ensure that these measures are effective, addressing the concerns of recurring wildfire risks and operational issues raised by Mariana Leitão and others.
[1] Portugal braces for high fire risk [2] Alert situation closes monuments in Sintra and forest perimeter [3] Mariana Leitão criticizes government for recurring wildfire risks [4] Portugal takes strict measures to prevent forest fires
- The government, as it faces criticism from the likes of Mariana Leitão for insufficient prevention strategies, is urged to reconsider its policy-and-legislation on forest fire prevention, focusing on stricter and sustained measures to combat the recurring risks.
- In the midst of increasing political discussions on fire prevention strategies, Diogo Matias, a presidential candidate, has joined Mariana Leitão in calling for improvements, demanding that the government implement stronger policies to address the general-news of frequent and severe wildfires in Portugal.
