The government plans slightly increased resources for this year's rural fire season, with about 15,064 personnel and 76 aerial assets expected during the most critical months, RTP reports. Officials say the deployment is a modest rise on 2025 and is intended to improve prevention and rapid response capacity. Those living in or visiting rural areas should follow local civil-protection (proteção civil) guidance and be ready for access restrictions during peak months.
15,000+ personnel and 76 aircraft planned
Friday, 27 February 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Civil protection (Proteção Civil) is the national system that coordinates prevention, response and recovery for disasters and emergencies in Portugal; the Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) oversees planning, warnings and coordination with fire brigades, police and municipal services. In weather events—such as snow or road closures around Serra da Estrela—Proteção Civil issues safety advisories, may close access routes and coordinates rescue and relief efforts, so people in affected areas should follow official guidance and call 112 for emergencies.
Portugal plans more than 15,000 operatives and 76 aerial resources for this year, reflecting a seasonal surge in crews and aircraft for wildfire response. That fleet is smaller than those of larger EU countries, and Portugal relies heavily on volunteer firefighters and international mutual aid in major seasons, so people in high-risk areas should follow local alerts and evacuation instructions.
