The Municipal Commission for Forest Fire Protection in the Municipality of Loulé gave a “very positive” assessment of the rural fire season in the municipality this year, taking into account the burnt area of 12 hectares, one of the smallest burnt areas in this territory since 2004.
The review meeting was attended by the entities that make up the Commission and the entities that participate in the operational meetings for forest fire protection, held biweekly between July 1 and September 30. This is the period that corresponds to the Delta level, the level of greatest operational commitment within the scope of the special operational device for combating rural fires.
The conclusions were explained at the meeting chaired by Mayor Vitor Aleixo, after presentations by the Municipal Civil Protection Service, Serra do Caldeirão Producers Association, National Republican Guard and Fire Department, on the work carried out and the results obtained at the Municipality level, from planning, awareness and public information, prevention, surveillance and combating of rural fires.
According to those present at the meeting, the reduced burn area is due to a number of factors, such as increased resources and equipment, increased surveillance, and prevention efforts. Despite the adverse weather conditions during this period, "there was a great commitment from all involved."
It should also be noted that the Municipality maintained the protocol with the Infantry Regiment No. 1 of the Portuguese Army, with the GNR with a 4×4 vehicle, and 2 motorcycles and horse patrol, praised by those present.
This year, with the extension of another month (it ended on October 31, due to the existing rural fire rates), it is also important to note that there were 46 more days of “maximum rural fire danger”, which represents an increase of around 50% compared to 2022.
Although the area burned this year was "small," Vitor Aleixo stated: "We must continue working and make a qualitative leap by strengthening coordination and coordination in fire prevention, given that fires today are quite complex. Therefore, we must continue investing in human resources and resources, as drought periods will become increasingly longer, and political decisions will need to take all these factors into account." Thus, "the Municipality will continue working and developing its strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change and, consequently, rural fires, thus contributing to an increasingly resilient territory."
