The international environmental group “Tire Extinguishers” (something like “Os Extintores de Pneus” in Portuguese) arrived in Portugal and was already emptying the tires of some cars this Thursday.
The primary target of environmentalists are SUV vans, which the organization says are “unnecessary and pure vanity,” according to a document left in one of the wrecked vans.
The message, titled “Warning – Your Fuel Sucker is Killing,” explains the reasons for this vandalism, but clarifies that the driver is not the problem. “You will be angry, but don’t take it personally. That’s not you. This is your car,” it says.
The environmental group said in a statement that pollution emitted by SUVs is considered a “climate disaster” and also a safety risk because, according to a report written by the Tire Extinguishers, “in crashes, the chances are more likely to kill someone, than conventional cars.”
On the group’s official page, activists brag about the feat and devalue the reaction of the victims. “We are receiving messages from the Portuguese who are upset that they cannot control their huge tanks. Oh no! Welcome to the fun Portugal! says on Twitter. The group claims to have activist groups in 18 countries.