Regional Government supplies Azorean Fire Departments with new equipment - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, delivered today new equipment aimed at strengthening the Azorean Civil Protection System, a global investment of 540,000 Euros.

“Today we are taking another decisive step in strengthening the operational capacity of regional fire brigades and upgrading the equipment available to our Regional Civil Protection System,” stated Alonso Miguel. He spoke during a ceremony held at the Azores Civil Protection and Fire Training Centre in Angra do Heroísmo.

On the occasion, the government official explained that the investment included personal protective equipment for all fire brigades and logistical support material for Civil Protection, thereby “strengthening both the safety of personnel and the response capacity in emergencies.”

As part of this initiative, three types of equipment were delivered: 150 complete units of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and 100 spare cylinders to regional fire brigades. According to the government official, "this will ensure the continued provision and replacement of this type of personal protective equipment, in addition to directly enhancing the safety, respiratory capacity and personal protection of firefighters in critical operations, leading to safer interventions in urban and industrial fires."

Equipment was also purchased to reinforce the emergency accommodation facility, consisting of 1,035 sleeping bags and 1,900 camp beds.

“This set is a fundamental part of our emergency kit, enabling the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) and fire brigades to respond promptly and efficiently to the needs of the population in situations of crisis, evacuation or temporary shelter,” emphasised the government official.

Moreover, a multifunctional telescopic forklift was also purchased, which will support the logistics, training and management of SRPCBA operational material. It will render internal processes more efficient and increase responsiveness in situations requiring the mobilisation of large volumes of equipment.

In his speech, the Regional Secretary, who is responsible for Civil Protection, pointed out that all this investment ‘'stems from a continuous policy of solid investment in this area.”

“The Regional Government has allocated around €60 million to the Civil Protection System over the last five years, reflecting a clear and committed priority,” he said.

Alonso Miguel also recalled that 2025 saw "the largest allocation ever, "with €14 million. It  ensured "structuring advances," such as the acquisition and delivery of nine emergency ambulances and seven firefighting vehicles, the creation and unprecedented implementation of the Financing Model for Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters and the implementation of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters. Furthermore, it contributed to the creation of an innovative instrument to support Junior and Cadet Schools, and the improvent of the pre-hospital emergency medical system, with the recruitment of additional crew members and the expansion of the Immediate Life Support Service (SIV) on the island of Faial, which now operates 24/7.

Alonso Miguel stated that this commitment will remain firm until 2026, with an investment plan of €12.5 million, the second largest ever. It includes "specific measures that will strengthen the sector's operational capacity, such as the acquisition of 12 new emergency ambulances, the delivery of the last two firefighting vehicles, the acquisition of 19 tactical command vehicles, and the acquisition of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances.

“All this demonstrates the Azorean Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the civil protection system, modernising the fire service and ensuring better working conditions for all those who, with dedication and courage, serve the population,” he stressed.

“We will continue to work daily so that, whenever an emergency arises, we can respond promptly, professionally and effectively. This is what the population expects from us. This is our duty,” he concluded.