Firefighters request urgent PM meeting over emergency services
Three representative firefighters' associations have requested an urgent audience with the Prime Minister and parliamentary groups to present proposals for the sector, rejecting responsibility for current pre-hospital emergency problems and urging structural changes. Associations call for a single command structure and say the Framework Law on Civil Protection (Lei-Quadro da Proteção Civil) should be approved before the Framework Law on Health. Those relying on emergency response should note the sector is pressing for legal and organisational changes that could affect response arrangements and local coordination.
The Framework Law on Civil Protection (Portuguese: Lei‑Quadro da Proteção Civil) is a proposed law that sets the national structure, roles and command arrangements for disaster prevention, response and recovery across state, municipal and volunteer bodies. Associations want it approved quickly because it defines coordination and command during crises, so passing it would clarify responsibilities for frontline responders and potentially speed emergency action for residents.
Civil Protection rules out illegality in ambulance reinforcement
Civil Protection director José Manuel Moura has ruled out any illegality in the ad-hoc reinforcement of eight ambulances organised by the Portuguese Firefighters' League over the weekend. After meetings with INEM and the Firefighters' League, Moura attributed the dispute to a communication failure by the League and said the situation created a misunderstanding that must not recur. He insisted that ANEPC (Civil Protection) should be formally involved in future emergency operations to ensure coordination and public safety.
Civil Protection denies any illegality in the ambulance task force
After meeting with INEM and the Portuguese Firefighters' League, Civil Protection denies any illegality in the task force of eight ambulances from several fire brigades that over the weekend decided to bolster the emergency response system.
I regret that the Firefighters' League, INEM and Civil Protection did not sit down together and draw up a plan
Commander Paulo Santos also says that the volunteer firefighters “gave a sign that, when they want, things get done”.
Support task force for INEM: 'If there are doubts about legality, then legal means should be sought'
Health policy expert Rui Nunes believes Portugal has 'a good health system and excellent professionals', but that 'care integration and coordination simply do not work'. Regarding doubts raised by Civil Protection about the 'legality' of the support task force for INEM carried out by the firefighters, he says it is not 'appropriate to call into question an attempt at a solution to save lives'.
"It doesn't hold much weight": Firefighters' League responds to Civil Protection's doubts over legality of task force supporting INEM
The Firefighters' League created a task force to bolster emergency assistance and support INEM in response to the current strain on emergency medical services. However, Civil Protection has called an emergency meeting, claiming the measure has no legal basis. On CNN Portugal, António Nunes, president of the Portuguese Firefighters' League, answers the accusations.
Portuguese Firefighters' League rejects claim that ambulance reinforcement is illegal and criticises Civil Protection
The president of the Portuguese Firefighters' League (LBP) rejected suggestions that the ambulance task force, set up to bolster support, is 'illegal' and expressed regret over statements from Civil Protection, which said today it will open an investigation into the operation.
Civil Protection launches inquiry into ambulance reinforcements; Firefighters' League leader laments lack of dialogue
The national Civil Protection authority has opened an inquiry regarding measures to reinforce ambulance services. The leader of the Firefighters' League criticises the move, saying there has been insufficient dialogue.
Civil Protection opens proceedings over ambulance reinforcement by the League of Firefighters, deeming it illegal
The institution says the ambulance reinforcement created by the LBP “appears to violate the principles and premises of the integrated protection and rescue system”.
Controversy in emergency services: Firefighters' League creates ambulance 'task force' outside the Civil Protection framework
Ambulances are pre-positioned in Lumiar, Lisbon, to respond to any eventuality. The decision is causing unease within the Civil Protection system.
Civil Protection institutional website back online after updates
The institutional website and the ANEPC's public incident reporting system were temporarily suspended in mid‑December.
After 15 days, Civil Protection website back online
As expected, the Civil Protection website resumed service after being inoperable for around 15 days. The identified “critical vulnerabilities” did not affect the operational response.
Traffic on National Road 10 resumed after gas leak in Vila Franca de Xira
Traffic on National Road (EN) 10 in Vila Franca de Xira (Lisbon) was reopened after authorities halted movement when a section of pavement collapsed and caused a gas leak, the Civil Protection told Lusa. Emergency teams secured the scene, controlled the leak and carried out inspections before resuming traffic; investigations and repairs are ongoing to determine the cause and prevent further disruption.
Civil Protection recorded 91 incidents due to bad weather in Madeira in recent days
The incidents included fallen trees, landslides (mass movements), downed power lines and collapses.
Explosion in Lisbon: number of displaced falls to eight
Three of the displaced have found alternative accommodation with relatives and two others are staying in a hotel. Civil Protection rules out any structural danger to the building.
Wind gusts of over 100km/ h forecast as Civil Protection website remains ‘down’
A new depression bringing high winds (gusting to 100kms/ h) and rain is back hovering over Portugal – but the ANEPC (Civil Protection) website, usually relied upon to give updates, The post Wind gusts of over 100km/ h forecast as Civil Protection website remains ‘down’ appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Civil Protection without its website for 15 days for 'security reinforcement'
The institutional website and the public incident-reporting system of the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) were temporarily suspended around 15 days ago “for strictly preventive and security reasons” due to “identified vulnerabilities”.