Alonso Miguel emphasises achievements and announces unprecedented investment in Civil Protection in 2025 at opening of Regional Council of Firefighters - Communication

Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática

On Friday, the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, chaired the opening session of the Regional Fire Council, which took place at the premises of the Ribeira Grande Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters.

The Regional Fire Council (CRB) is a consultation and advisory body to the President of the Regional Azores Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA). Its main goal is to contribute to planning, defining strategies and improving the operation of the regional Humanitarian Associations of Firefighters and Fire Brigades.

This council brings together representatives of various entities in the sector, promoting dialogue and cooperation to guarantee the stability, operability and dignity of firefighters whilst increasing the safety and resilience of the Azorean population.

In his speech, Alonso Miguel noted that the meeting "represents an opportunity to align strategies and an occasion to mark the tireless work and dedication of all firefighters in ensuring the protection, safety and well-being of our populations."

The government official emphasised the Regional Government's commitment to jointly work with the municipalities and the Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in the Azores. It has been important "to find the necessary solutions to ensure the sustainability of Associations and the normal operation of regional fire brigades, and ensure the dignity and promotion of fire careers, always in pursuit of the greatest of goals: the protection and safeguarding of human life."

Alonso Miguel also emphasised the importance of the Regional Fire Council. He described it as "an important body for consultation on operational matters that provides a relevant contribution to defining strategies and implementing measures for the adequate functioning and stability of the regional Associations and Fire Brigades." According to him, it is "a fundamental tool in ensuring the dignity and promotion of fire careers as well as creating a safer and more resilient archipelago that is better prepared for any challenge."

Alonso Miguel acknowledged that "2024 was a year full of challenges but one marked by important achievements that had long been demanded, such as, for example, the increase in firefighters’ salaries, approved in the Working Conditions Ordinance, the approval of the new Social Status of Volunteer Firefighters, the creation of the Financing Model for Humanitarian Associations, an essential tool for ensuring their financial stability and predictability of these institutions, and the beginning of the process to renew the red, yellow and white fleets."

The Regional Secretary announced that for 2025, "the Regional Government will continue this work in a committed manner and close coordination with Associations."

"The Investment Plan for 2025 represents the largest investment ever in Civil Protection and Firefighters in the Azores, totalling 14 million Euros,15% more than in 2024," he explained.

According to the Regional Secretary, this increased investment will enable "the acquisition of more rescue vehicles, better equipped and qualified firefighters, more pre-hospital medical emergency resources, and better emergency planning and management tools."

He also announced that "in addition to the large investment in renewing the red fleet, with the allocation of 9 vehicles, amounting to 3.3 million Euros, we expect to launch a new tender shortly for the acquisition of another 5 red vehicles."

Alonso Miguel recalled that "a procedure has already been awarded for the purchase of nine emergency ambulances, amounting to one million Euros," revealing that "we expect to allocate another nine ambulances to be delivered in 2026."

He also highlighted the investment in equipment for fire brigades, "amounting to 400 thousand Euros this year alone, and a new tender is expected to be launched for the purchase of breathing apparatus and electric inhibitors, totalling 500 thousand Euros."

Alonso Miguel concluded by stressing the strategic role of the Regional Fire Council as a "catalyst for innovative solutions and a fundamental element in strengthening the Regional Civil Protection System."