Azorean Government provides fire brigades with electric vehicle inhibitors - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, continues to improve the equipment of regional fire brigades with the delivery of electric vehicle inhibitors, marking the occasion at a ceremony held this Tuesday at the Vila do Porto Volunteer Fire Brigade Headquarters in Santa Maria.

On the occasion, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, accompanied by the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade, stated that "firefighters' safety is a priority and a permanent commitment of the Regional Government of the Azores. This has been achieved by the significant increase in the investment to equip fire services with personal protective equipment as well as other technological equipment essential for safe and effective operational performance."

Alonso Miguel recalled that "the Regional Government has allocated more than half a million Euros for the purchase of personal protective equipment for firefighters over the last two years. This adds to the huge investment in renewing the fire fleets, under which about 4.3 million Euros have already been awarded for the purchase of nine heavy five fire engines and nine emergency ambulances."

The government official noted that "given the increasing number of electric vehicles in the Region, it is essential to ensure that firefighters are properly equipped and prepared for the new challenges." He added that "after this process began with the adaptation of training content for firefighters in this area, we are now delivering electric vehicle inhibitors to the 17 Fire Brigades in the Azores, symbolically marking the occasion in Santa Maria."

"This is essential equipment as it deactivates the electrical system of vehicles in emergencies, increasing safety conditions not only for firefighters and victims but also for everyone on the scene," he said.

The Regional Secretary emphasised that this "represents an investment of about 20 thousand Euros, which is supported by specific technical training to ensure that all firefighters know how to take action in rescue and extrication operations involving electric and hybrid vehicles in the Region."

"More than in technology, we are investing in protection, safety and trust for those who are tasked with protecting our communities daily," he added.

Alonso Miguel concluded by assuring that "the Regional Government will continue to be committed to building the capabilities of the Azores Regional Civil Protection System and to recognising the crucial role of firefighters." He recalled some of the main achievements of the last year, namely "the creation of the Financing Model for Humanitarian Associations, an essential instrument for the stability and financial predictability of these institutions, the approval of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters and the raise of firefighters' salaries. The latter was achieved through the Working Conditions Ordinance, which resulted in a raise exceeding 100 Euros a month at the bottom of the career ladder."