The government will decide on support after assessing land damage from forest fires

The government will decide on support measures after a ground assessment of the damage caused by recent forest fires is carried out, the Secretary of State under the presidency of the Council of Ministers said on Thursday.

“There will be time to assess, in accordance with the terms of the global framework approved by the Government at the beginning of this year, the damage at the local level, next to the territories, and make decisions in this regard. done because this assessment is now taking place on the ground, even before any decisions are made,” André Noz Caldas told reporters at a press conference after the Ministerial Council meeting.

Asked if the Council of Ministers had considered supporting people affected by the recent rural fires, the Secretary of State said “the time has come to strengthen prevention, ensure control and avoid re-ignition.”

Andre Noz Caldas added that there are “critical meteorological factors” and it is expected that in the coming weeks “there may be peaks with temperatures above 40 degrees, a drop in humidity and winds.”

A government official said there is currently a “calm period” but it is expected that there may be difficult times in the coming weeks, so it is necessary to repeat warning messages, avoid risky behavior and follow the National Emergency Management and Civil Protection (ANEPC) recommendations.

The Secretary of State also took the opportunity to “give the floor to all those on the ground, at the risk of their own lives, who have contributed to the fight against the fires that have devastated the country,” namely firefighters, civil protection agents and local services. and people who are committed to protecting their heritage.

Several fires have broken out in Portugal in recent days, and the fires in Proença a Nova (Castelo Branco) and Odemira, which later spread to the Algarve, were the fires with the largest area.