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.
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”.
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.
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.
