Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

Last Saturday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired the opening session of the 4th Regional Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores, organised by the Azores Fire Federation, which took place in Vila do Porto. He was accompanied by the President of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, Rui Andrade.

On the occasion, Alonso Miguel congratulated the Azores Fire Federation on organising the fourth edition of the Regional Meeting. He considered it a “a moment of particular importance for the regional fire service sector and a unique opportunity for reflection, responsible debate and the development of solutions for building the future.”

The Regional Secretary highlighted the progress towards strengthening and enhancing the fire service sector in the Azores, emphasising “the significant investment in recent years and the ongoing commitment to improving safety and rescue conditions for the population.”

The Regional Secretary stressed that “this regional meeting also provides an opportunity to assess the path we have been following.” He described it as “a demanding but sustained journey, based on clear choices, political courage and, above all, ongoing and close dialogue with the associations and their Federation.”

Alonso Miguel pointed out that “the Regional Government has invested over €60 million in the Regional Civil Protection System in the last five years.” 

This investment has led to a significant expansion in pre-hospital emergency medical care, with spending increasing by about 70% since 2020, from €4.9 million to €8.3 million annually.

“This substantial growth has increased the number of pre-hospital emergency medical crews and significantly raised the amounts paid to associations providing this service, which is of utmost importance for the Azorean population,” he emphasised.

The government official also highlighted the fulfilment of a long-standing demand from the sector, through the implementation of a regular funding model for Firefighters’ Associations.

This represents an annual investment of about €750,000, bringing greater financial stability and predictability to the institutions.

“As a result of these measures, we have managed to secure, in conjunction with the Associations as employers, a significant pay rise for firefighters, reflected in an increase of around 40% in the base salary. We have also increased investment in the training, qualification and specialisation of operational staff, contributing to the professional dignity and recognition of the merit of those serving,” he stated.

Regarding operational resources, Alonso Miguel noted that this financial investment led to a structured plan to renew the fire service fleets, representing a global investment of about €8 million, which has already resulted in the purchase of more than fifty rescue and emergency vehicles.

The Regional Secretary also highlighted the creation of the new Social Status for Volunteer Firefighters. It introduced numerous social benefits, including financial support for after-school activities for the children of Azorean firefighters, as well as new incentives for volunteering.

Viewing these measures as part of a broader process of transforming the sector, Alonso Miguel emphasised that “today the Azores have a regional civil protection system that is more resilient, more stable and better prepared to respond effectively to challenges than the one that existed five years ago.” It is the result of an “ongoing, close and constructive dialogue with the associations and the Fire Federation.”

The government official also highlighted the role of the sector’s leaders. In this regard, he emphasised “the importance of institutional collaboration and the contribution of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in developing balanced solutions tailored to the regional reality, with a view to strengthening the sector and improving safety conditions, promptness and the protection of the population.”

As for future goals, Alonso Miguel announced plans to transform the current Training Centre of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service into an Academy, involving the refurbishment of facilities and the centralisation of recruits, thereby ensuring more rigorous, specialised and standardised training, He also reiterated the Regional Government’s commitment to continuing investing in the renewal of the red and yellow fleets, ensuring modern, appropriate and effective resources capable of meeting growing operational demands.

The Regional Secretary also mentioned the need to closely monitor the process of reforming firefighters' employment regulations, which is currently being prepared at a national level. He emphasised that any changes must be properly adapted to the specific circumstances of the Azores, “with a critical eye, a sense of responsibility and respect for the principles of proportionality, fairness and financial sustainability.”

“We know what we want, where we stand and where we intend to go. Therefore, it is essential to find our own solutions, tailored to the regional reality and financially sustainable,” he stated.

Alonso Miguel concluded by reiterating the importance of the Meeting of the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters of the Azores. He noted that “such occasions are essential for aligning strategies, building consensus and uniting efforts towards a common goal: bolstering the fire service and improving the protection of the Azorean population.”