The government warns that fire risk has increased by about 40% compared to 2022.

The fire risk in Portugal this Tuesday is about 40% higher compared to 2022, the interior minister said after meeting with the GNR in Monte Redondo, municipality of Leiria.

“We were able to hear from GNR, which has a database that allows us to compare various indicators, that in light of the indicators known today, the risk increases by about 40% compared to 2022. mediterranean countries, [alertando] that the risks this year are higher than in previous years,” said José Luis Carneiro.

The Minister of the Interior was at the post of the HPR in Monte Redondo, where he heard explanations from the military about the state of the national territory at a time when the “Safe Forest” campaign is underway, the purpose of which is to identify land owners who need to be cleared to prevent rural fires.

José Luis Carneiro then saw “on the spot” the work of the GNR in identifying overdue lands by testing the system used by the military.

“GNR is currently on the ground across the country to raise awareness among local governments and owners of the need for cleaning required by the building safety law,” namely “all areas surrounding residential buildings that should be subject to cleaning,” said He.

Emergency Protection and Assistance Division (UEPS) Assistant Sergeant Rui Teixeira explained that on the platform that the GNR has, it is possible to check the critical places “that give rise to rural fires from 2020 to the present.”

“We are more seriously affected in the north of the country – in Viana do Castelo and in the hinterland of Porto. We have more fires in Montalegre and Vila Real, which is already historic at this stage of the year,” he explained.

Responding to José Luis Carneiro, the military reported that “in a reply letter, the 528,926 hectares burned in 2017 already have a very high level of impact.”

“It would be important for the country to guarantee the resilience of communities through the implementation of a secondary network, since 85% of accidents out of 10,958 in 2022 occurred within 500 meters of infrastructure, whether they are occupied by people or business. environment,” he explained.

Therefore, the minister emphasized the importance of investing in prevention and raising everyone’s awareness of land cleanup.

“In summer, when we face fires, we all get the feeling that funds are always limited for the needs of the entire country. In February, GNR carried out an information campaign throughout the country, a work of great value. resulting in more knowledge and more ability to anticipate risks. It is a collective responsibility,” he insisted.

José Luis Carneiro recalled that “more than 60% of rural and forest fires occurred in the European Union in 2022.”

“More than 69% burned down in the European Union. The risks have exceeded all levels: humidity 30%, wind 30%, temperature 30%,” he said.

The official explained: “In 2022, we had 47 degrees, humidity below 10% and wind speeds above 60 kilometers per hour, which means that the fire risk has increased exponentially.”

“This is everyone’s effort. From the central administration, government, municipalities, owners and each of us individually. It is for this purpose and for this realization that I meet GNR today. It is important that each one fulfills his mission. It is not enough, when we face fires, to ask the Minister of the Interior for accountability. It is very important that everyone contributes to a safer country,” he stressed.