Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
Regional Government reinforces Civil Protection with new fleet of emergency ambulances
TOURO25 drill boosts promptness and effectiveness of Civil Protection system in the Azores, says Alonso Miguel
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) is a department under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, whose mission is to guide, coordinate and supervise civil protection and the activities of fire brigades in the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is also responsible for ensuring the operation of a medical emergency ground transport system to guarantee the prompt and correct provision of health care to victims of sudden illness.
In launching this page, we not only want to make the SRPCBA's organisational structure known, i.e. its bodies and services, but we also want to provide citizens with information on severe weather warnings, reports on seismic events and information notices.
We hope this page serves as a valuable platform for dialogue on its themes, and that your comments and suggestions will help enhance the operation of the SRPCBA for the benefit of citizens.
December 9, 2025
Alonso Miguel delivers firefighting vehicle to Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters
On Monday, the Regional Government increased protection and rescue resources in the municipality of Angra do Heroísmo and on the island of Terceira, with the delivery of a new fire truck tanker to the Angra do Heroísmo Humanitarian Association of Volunteer Firefighters, representing an investment of about €350,000. The ceremony was part of the celebrations for the Patron Saint's Day of this institution. It also marked the 103rd anniversary of this association, which has been serving the Angra community for over a century. On this occasion, Alonso Miguel recalled that the Angra do Heroísmo corporation had already received, at the end of June, an emergency ambulance amounting to €90,000, emphasising that the delivery of the fire truck tanker is a continuation of the Government's efforts to renew and enhance resources throughout the Region. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, who oversees Civil Protection, stated that this new vehicle represented "a qualitative leap in water transport capacity, self-sufficiency and durability in firefighting scenarios, significantly strengthening the operational capacity of the fire brigade." The government official also highlighted the high volume of activity recorded by the corporation, which recorded more than 8,600 incidents between January 1, 2024, and this Sunday. According to him, it reflects "the strength of the operational product, but also the quality of leadership, the commitment of the teams and the sense of duty of this institution." In the context of the 103rd anniversary celebrations, Alonso Miguel highlighted the "long history and vitality" of the association, built "by generations of dedicated, courageous men and women with a deep sense of public service." He emphasised that the journey of these firefighters represents "a legacy of service honouring the association and the Azores, and continues to be an example of resilience and spirit of mission." During the ceremony, the Regional Secretary reiterated the Government's commitment to modernising and enhancing the firefighting sector. He highlighted measures already implemented, such as career promotion and pay rises for firefighters, the renewal of the red and yellow fleet, the upgrading of the pre-hospital emergency medical service, the acquisition of Personal Protective Equipment and the updating of social benefits granted to firefighters. In this context, the Regional Secretary emphasised that "the Government will continue to implement a wide range of structural investments, namely with the delivery of two new fire engines to the Associations of Vila Franca do Campo and São Roque do Pico, the provision of 17 tactical self-command vehicles, one for each fire brigade in the Region, the delivery of 70 defibrillator monitors for emergency ambulances, the distribution of Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) purchased at a cost of over €300,000, and the continuation of work on the SRPCBA Training Centre, including the construction of a new high-rise training tower." For 2026, the Regional Secretary also highlighted the 50% increase in funds allocated to the financing model of the Firefighters' Associations, from €500,000 to €750,000, and the planned delivery of 12 new emergency ambulances, including one for the Angra do Heroísmo fire brigade. Alonso Miguel concluded his speech by emphasising that "the truth has no answer" and that "the recognition of firefighters is not just empty rhetoric, it is a tangible and visible reality." He reiterated that "the Government will continue to strengthen resources, value careers and work side by side with associations and municipalities to ensure predictability, stability and sustainability in the firefighting sector."
November 19, 2025
Regional Government reinforces Civil Protection with new fleet of emergency ambulances
The Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, has recently awarded a public tender for the purchase of twelve emergency ambulances, representing an overall investment of €880,860.00 under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). This effort falls within a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Regional Government with the aim of modernising, expanding and increasing the fleet of ambulances serving the various fire departments in the archipelago. According to Alonso Miguel, the government official responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, "these new vehicles, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for transport and emergency medical care, will not only increase the capacity to respond to emergencies, but also ensure better working conditions for the health professionals and firefighters involved in rescue operations." “The modernisation of the fleet will directly contribute to greater efficiency in the provision of pre-hospital care, ensuring that accident victims or victims of sudden illness receive rapid and qualified assistance,” he continued. The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, under the supervision of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, plays a key role in managing the emergency medical transport system in the Azores. It is responsible for coordinating rescue operations and ensuring the adequate provision of out-of-hospital health care throughout the territory. For the government official, "the acquisition of these 12 new ambulances represents another step in consolidating its role as a fundamental entity for the protection and well-being of the Azorean population." Alonso Miguel clarified that "this investment is part of a broader plan by the Regional Government, focused on the continuous improvement of the Regional Civil Protection System." "In providing Civil Protection with more modern and efficient resources, the Government ensures that the response to emergencies becomes increasingly rapid, effective and accessible to all inhabitants of the islands," he stressed. In addition to this investment, there are nine red vehicles, including fire tankers, first aid vehicles, rescue vehicles, 19 command vehicles, nine emergency ambulances, two ILS vehicles and a multi-victim tow truck, with a total estimated investment of €5.6 million. The Regional Secretary pointed out that “all these investments represent a significant financial effort and clearly reflect the Regional Government’s firm commitment to improving the human and material conditions of the fire brigades. They also strengthen the capacity of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service to protect and safeguard the population.”