Regional Government boosts operational capacity of São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade with new heavy fire truck tanker - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

The Regional Government has strengthened the operational capacity of the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade with the delivery of a new heavy fire truck tanker, an investment of about €350,000 that will significantly increase the firefighting response capacity and operational autonomy within the municipality.

The vehicle was delivered on Thursday during the ceremony celebrating the 78th anniversary of the São Roque do Pico Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters.

On that occasion, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, emphasised that "the spirit that led to the creation of this Association 78 years ago, remains fully relevant today." In this regard, he added that this legacy must be honoured "not as a mere exercise of memory, but as a commitment to the present and the future, ensuring the ongoing development of the fire brigade's response capabilities."

The government official also highlighted the operational relevance of the São Roque do Pico Fire Brigade, noting that 488 incidents were recorded in 2025, a figure that "reflects the operational capacity in place, the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of all those wearing this uniform."

In terms of public policy, the Regional Secretary considered this investment within a clear strategy to promote the sector, stating that the Azorean Government has "valued fire professionals as never before in the Region." He highlighted that this enhancement is reflected, first and foremost, in the fact that "the base salary for firefighters in the Azores now stands at €1,014, which 10% higher than the figures for Mainland Portugal, with an increase of more than €150 per month in base salaries in just the last two years."

In terms of financing, the government official mentioned the creation and implementation of "the financing model for Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters." He emphasised that, for many years, "there was no structured social policy aimed at firefighters," and the model currently in force is the result of "decisions made, ongoing work, and a clear vision of the importance of those in service."

In the same context, Alonso Miguel highlighted the strengthening of social benefits as a concrete dimension of this policy. He noted that "about €180,000 was paid out in December as support to firefighters who completed operational service, representing more than €400 per firefighter" and "later this month, support will be allocated for the after-school activities of firefighters' children." He also emphasised that, overall, "the social benefits created and implemented exceed half a million Euros."

From an operational standpoint, the Regional Secretary highlighted that “an ambitious plan to renew the red and yellow vehicle fleets is being implemented, with an investment that currently exceeds €5 million," and, simultaneously, the pre-hospital emergency medical service has been reinforced. He pointed out that in the Azores, "one ambulance per 10,000 inhabitants, manned by specially trained personnel, is guaranteed, whereas in many regions of the country, the ratio stands at only one ambulance per 50,000 inhabitants."

"We have invested in personal protective equipment, ending the year with the delivery of €300,000 in Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)," he stressed, regarding the safety and protection of operational staff.

He added: "We updated the social benefits available for firefighters, making it clear that those who are different deserve special recognition."

As for the measures already defined for the near future, the Regional Secretary stated that "a series of structural investments will be made later this year to directly strengthen the operational capacity of Azorean Fire Departments," highlighting “the delivery of another three firefighting vehicles, 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade, 70 defibrillator monitors to equip regional emergency ambulances and another 12 emergency ambulances.”

In addition to this effort, there is ongoing investment in the SRPCBA Training Centre, with "the construction of a high-rise training tower, enhancing the qualification and operational preparation of firefighters."

In the specific case of São Roque do Pico, the government official recalled that "after the delivery of an emergency ambulance in 2025, an investment of over €100,000," this progress is now being consolidated with the delivery of a heavy fire truck tanker. This represents an investment of around €350,000, significantly increasing the response capacity of this fire brigade, which corresponds to an overall investment of over €450,000 in strengthening the operational resources of these firefighters.

The government official highlighted that "the funding model for Azorean Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters will be increased by 50% in 2026, amounting to a total investment of €750,000." He concluded that "there are no arguments against facts" and "the value of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, but rather a tangible and visible reality."

“The Regional Government will continue to stand by your side, strengthening resources, valuing careers and ensuring that the regional Civil Protection system remains modern, efficient and worthy of the trust that the Azoreans place in it,” concluded Alonso Miguel, addressing those present.