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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Civil Protection conducts TOURO drill in São Miguel to test response capacity in seismic-volcanic scenario
Civil Protection conducts TOURO drill in São Miguel to test response capacity in seismic-volcanic scenario
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
May 20, 2026
Civil Protection conducts TOURO drill in São Miguel to test response capacity in seismic-volcanic scenario
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
March 13, 2026
Regional Government launches €2 million tender for purchase of new vehicles for fire services
News
Nota de Imprensa
May 20, 2026
Civil Protection conducts TOURO drill in São Miguel to test response capacity in seismic-volcanic scenario
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), an entity under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, will hold the TOURO26 drill on the island of São Miguel between May 28 and 30 to test the response capacity of the various civil protection agencies in the event of a seismic-volcanic crisis. In this edition, the drill will cover the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande and Povoação, based on the 2005 seismic crisis at the Fogo Volcano, from which various incidents will be simulated that will require the intervention of teams with different skills and operational capabilities. This initiative aims to strengthen the readiness of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for situations involving seismic and volcanic risks, promoting an ever more effective and coordinated action within the Regional Civil Protection System. The planned scenarios will include the evacuation of populated areas, the preparation of assembly and support areas for the population, intervention in collapsed structures, and other protection and rescue operations, thereby testing the response capacity and coordination between the various agencies involved. As with the previous edition, TOURO26 will retain a format combining workshops with practical LIVEX exercises (deployment of resources on the ground), reinforcing the link between the training component and the operational response. The drill will begin on May 28 with an introductory session for the participating organisations. Thematic workshops will take place on the morning of May 29, conducted by speakers from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores (CIVISA) and SRPCBA. Field exercises will take place on the afternoon of May 29 and throughout May 30, providing an opportunity to test the operational response and coordination between the various civil protection agencies. This drill involves the São Miguel Fire Departments, the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande and Povoação, the Azores Operational Command of the Portuguese Red Cross, the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Housing, Public Works and Health, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory, the National Maritime Authority, the National Republican Guard, the Public Security Police, CIVISA and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. This year’s edition will also feature a group of observers comprising members of ANEPC, the Lisbon Fire Brigade, the Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service and members of the Azores Fire Service command.
May 20, 2026
Civil Protection conducts TOURO drill in São Miguel to test response capacity in seismic-volcanic scenario
The Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA), an entity under the administration of the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, will hold the TOURO26 drill on the island of São Miguel between May 28 and 30 to test the response capacity of the various civil protection agencies in the event of a seismic-volcanic crisis. In this edition, the drill will cover the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande and Povoação, based on the 2005 seismic crisis at the Fogo Volcano, from which various incidents will be simulated that will require the intervention of teams with different skills and operational capabilities. This initiative aims to strengthen the readiness of the Autonomous Region of the Azores for situations involving seismic and volcanic risks, promoting an ever more effective and coordinated action within the Regional Civil Protection System. The planned scenarios will include the evacuation of populated areas, the preparation of assembly and support areas for the population, intervention in collapsed structures, and other protection and rescue operations, thereby testing the response capacity and coordination between the various agencies involved. As with the previous edition, TOURO26 will retain a format combining workshops with practical LIVEX exercises (deployment of resources on the ground), reinforcing the link between the training component and the operational response. The drill will begin on May 28 with an introductory session for the participating organisations. Thematic workshops will take place on the morning of May 29, conducted by speakers from the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the Centre for Information and Seismovolcanic Surveillance of the Azores (CIVISA) and SRPCBA. Field exercises will take place on the afternoon of May 29 and throughout May 30, providing an opportunity to test the operational response and coordination between the various civil protection agencies. This drill involves the São Miguel Fire Departments, the municipalities of Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande and Povoação, the Azores Operational Command of the Portuguese Red Cross, the Regional Directorates for the Environment and Climate Action, Housing, Public Works and Health, the Institute for Social Security of the Azores, the Regional Civil Engineering Laboratory, the National Maritime Authority, the National Republican Guard, the Public Security Police, CIVISA and the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere. This year’s edition will also feature a group of observers comprising members of ANEPC, the Lisbon Fire Brigade, the Madeira Regional Civil Protection Service and members of the Azores Fire Service command.
Nota de Imprensa
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
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.”
April 27, 2026
Alonso Miguel highlights significant increase in investment and recognition of fire service sector in the Azores
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.”