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Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government opens new training tower and reinforces commitment to firefighters’ training
Regional Government opens new training tower and reinforces commitment to firefighters’ training
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Azorean Government increases funding for firefighters’ fuel by 25% and raises annual allocation to €802,000
Azorean Government increases funding for firefighters’ fuel by 25% and raises annual allocation to €802,000
Secretaria Regional do Ambiente e Ação Climática
Regional Government strengthens pre-hospital emergency medical services with three new crews and ensures all fire stations across the Azores operate 24/7
Regional Government strengthens pre-hospital emergency medical services with three new crews and ensures all fire stations across the Azores operate 24/7
October 13, 2026
Regional Government opens new training tower and reinforces commitment to firefighters’ training
September 16, 2026
Azorean Government increases funding for firefighters’ fuel by 25% and raises annual allocation to €802,000
August 5, 2026
Regional Government strengthens pre-hospital emergency medical services with three new crews and ensures all fire stations across the Azores operate 24/7
News
Nota de Imprensa
October 13, 2026
Regional Government opens new training tower and reinforces commitment to firefighters’ training
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, opened on Tuesday, October 13, the new training tower at the Training Centre of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) in Angra do Heroísmo, representing an investment of around €72,000 to strengthen the technical and operational readiness of regional firefighters. The opening took place on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the United Nations to promote prevention, readiness and the reduction of community vulnerabilities. On the occasion, Alonso Miguel highlighted the significance of this day, emphasising that, in a Region particularly exposed to extreme natural phenomena, prevention and readiness are fundamental civil protection pillars. “This year, under the slogan 'Resilience starts at home,' we are reminded that safety begins with every one of us and is built up day by day – a message that is particularly relevant for the Azores,” he said. The government official pointed out that “the Azores, due to their geographical location and condition as an archipelago, as well as their hydrological, geological and geomorphological characteristics, are a territory particularly exposed to various natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather events. These are exacerbated by climate change effects, which cause substantial material and financial damage and, above all, jeopardise the safety of our communities.” “We cannot prevent an earthquake, a volcanic eruption or an extreme weather event from occurring, but we can and must reduce their consequences through knowledge, prevention and planning, so that, when an emergency strikes, we are prepared to respond effectively and safely,” he said. The new facility will enable firefighters to develop skills, refine procedures and practise demanding rescue operations while improving coordination between teams by simulating, in a controlled environment, real-life scenarios involving high-risk situations. According to the Regional Secretary, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, “this highly useful and versatile facility will provide training in firefighting techniques at height, carrying out rescue and recovery exercises – particularly in steep-angle environments – as well as operations in conditions of very low or virtually zero visibility.” For the government official, this initiative embodies a fundamental principle: “Train safely so that we can rescue safely,” emphasising that the protection of those whose mission is to rescue others must be an ongoing priority. Alonso Miguel considered this opening part of the efforts to modernise the Regional Civil Protection System, with the Regional Government investing around €60 million over the last five years. This has led to the renewal of the fire services’ operational resources, the purchase of firefighting vehicles, emergency ambulances, command vehicles and specialised equipment, as well as the improvement of pre-hospital care. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “this investment has been matched by a consistent commitment to staff training, with annual investment in training over recent years averaging 37% higher than the figure set out in the 2020 budget.” Among the progress made, Alonso Miguel highlighted the revision of rescue and extrication procedures, with the introduction of new methodologies and the creation of specific courses for team leaders, as well as the refinement of specialisation in search and rescue operations in collapsed structures, which included the secondment of trainers to Chile for advanced training. “Another priority has been the training of senior fire service personnel, reviving a practice that had long been abandoned in the Region and considered essential for strengthening leadership, coordination and operational decision-making skills,” he added. The government official also highlighted the growing influence of the SRPCBA Training Centre beyond the archipelago, emphasising the existing collaboration in training instructors from the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the forthcoming delivery of training courses at this Centre for operational staff from that Region. “It is a recognition of the quality of the work carried out and the technical expertise we have been building up,” Alonso Miguel stated, noting that this cooperation demonstrates the progress made in training Azorean firefighters. Alonso Miguel added that “this new training tower will strengthen the SRPCBA Training Centre, which we are striving to make increasingly well-equipped, capable of keeping pace with developments in rescue techniques and meeting the operational demands of our firefighters.” The Regional Secretary concluded by reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to modernising the emergency response system and valuing its operational staff, whilst expressing his appreciation to regional firefighters for their professionalism, dedication and sense of mission. “We remain committed to ensuring that the noblest mission of all – that of saving lives – is supported by the resources, training and safety conditions it deserves,” he assured.
October 13, 2026
Regional Government opens new training tower and reinforces commitment to firefighters’ training
The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, opened on Tuesday, October 13, the new training tower at the Training Centre of the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service (SRPCBA) in Angra do Heroísmo, representing an investment of around €72,000 to strengthen the technical and operational readiness of regional firefighters. The opening took place on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, established by the United Nations to promote prevention, readiness and the reduction of community vulnerabilities. On the occasion, Alonso Miguel highlighted the significance of this day, emphasising that, in a Region particularly exposed to extreme natural phenomena, prevention and readiness are fundamental civil protection pillars. “This year, under the slogan 'Resilience starts at home,' we are reminded that safety begins with every one of us and is built up day by day – a message that is particularly relevant for the Azores,” he said. The government official pointed out that “the Azores, due to their geographical location and condition as an archipelago, as well as their hydrological, geological and geomorphological characteristics, are a territory particularly exposed to various natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather events. These are exacerbated by climate change effects, which cause substantial material and financial damage and, above all, jeopardise the safety of our communities.” “We cannot prevent an earthquake, a volcanic eruption or an extreme weather event from occurring, but we can and must reduce their consequences through knowledge, prevention and planning, so that, when an emergency strikes, we are prepared to respond effectively and safely,” he said. The new facility will enable firefighters to develop skills, refine procedures and practise demanding rescue operations while improving coordination between teams by simulating, in a controlled environment, real-life scenarios involving high-risk situations. According to the Regional Secretary, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, “this highly useful and versatile facility will provide training in firefighting techniques at height, carrying out rescue and recovery exercises – particularly in steep-angle environments – as well as operations in conditions of very low or virtually zero visibility.” For the government official, this initiative embodies a fundamental principle: “Train safely so that we can rescue safely,” emphasising that the protection of those whose mission is to rescue others must be an ongoing priority. Alonso Miguel considered this opening part of the efforts to modernise the Regional Civil Protection System, with the Regional Government investing around €60 million over the last five years. This has led to the renewal of the fire services’ operational resources, the purchase of firefighting vehicles, emergency ambulances, command vehicles and specialised equipment, as well as the improvement of pre-hospital care. The Regional Secretary emphasised that “this investment has been matched by a consistent commitment to staff training, with annual investment in training over recent years averaging 37% higher than the figure set out in the 2020 budget.” Among the progress made, Alonso Miguel highlighted the revision of rescue and extrication procedures, with the introduction of new methodologies and the creation of specific courses for team leaders, as well as the refinement of specialisation in search and rescue operations in collapsed structures, which included the secondment of trainers to Chile for advanced training. “Another priority has been the training of senior fire service personnel, reviving a practice that had long been abandoned in the Region and considered essential for strengthening leadership, coordination and operational decision-making skills,” he added. The government official also highlighted the growing influence of the SRPCBA Training Centre beyond the archipelago, emphasising the existing collaboration in training instructors from the Autonomous Region of Madeira and the forthcoming delivery of training courses at this Centre for operational staff from that Region. “It is a recognition of the quality of the work carried out and the technical expertise we have been building up,” Alonso Miguel stated, noting that this cooperation demonstrates the progress made in training Azorean firefighters. Alonso Miguel added that “this new training tower will strengthen the SRPCBA Training Centre, which we are striving to make increasingly well-equipped, capable of keeping pace with developments in rescue techniques and meeting the operational demands of our firefighters.” The Regional Secretary concluded by reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to modernising the emergency response system and valuing its operational staff, whilst expressing his appreciation to regional firefighters for their professionalism, dedication and sense of mission. “We remain committed to ensuring that the noblest mission of all – that of saving lives – is supported by the resources, training and safety conditions it deserves,” he assured.
Nota de Imprensa
September 16, 2026
Azorean Government increases funding for firefighters’ fuel by 25% and raises annual allocation to €802,000
The Regional Government will allocate an additional €161,000 to support the purchase of fuel by the 17 humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters across the Region. The measure, made official by a joint order published today in the Official Journal, raises the ceiling initially set for 2026 by 25.1%, bringing the overall annual funding to over €802,000. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, explained that this decision aims to offset the significant rise in diesel prices and safeguard the operational capacity of fire services. “We are making an additional financial effort to address a burden that directly affects the associations’ operations. We want to ensure that the rise in fuel costs does not result in further difficulties regarding the availability of ambulances and other emergency services,” stated the government official. The adjustment follows the rise in the reference price of diesel used in calculating the aid. This increase justified the application of a surcharge equivalent to the funding ceilings of the 17 associations, whilst maintaining the previously defined allocation criteria. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the same amount of funding now goes further for less fuel, reducing the capacity to sustain operational activity.” The government official pointed out that this extraordinary increase adds to the rise in annual support implemented in recent years. In 2020, the fuel ceilings totaled around €440,000, having subsequently been updated to approximately €641,000 – an increase of around 46%. “We started with funding amounting to €440,000 and increased it to €641,000 per year. Now, in light of the rising cost of fuel, we have allocated a further €161,000, bringing the total funding to over €802,000 in 2026. That is about €362,000 more than in 2020, representing a cumulative increase of approximately 82%,” emphasised Alonso Miguel. For the Regional Secretary, this development demonstrates “an ongoing effort to increase funding for the fire service, coupled with the willingness to deal with circumstances that place new demands on associations.” “This decision represents an increased financial commitment for the Region. It involves allocating additional resources to expenditure that is essential for emergency response, prioritising the fire service’s response capacity and the safety of the population. It is a decision we have taken with a sense of responsibility and in full recognition of the demands of the mission carried out by these associations,” he stated. The measure stems from the assessment and analysis conducted by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, which looked at the impact of the rise in diesel prices on the aid granted and upheld the need for an urgent review. Carried out in conjunction with the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, these efforts led to the identification of a solution commensurate with the rise in costs and ensured the necessary funding. The order now published thus implements the increase previously announced by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas. Alonso Miguel highlighted “the commitment, willingness and cooperation of the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, which were crucial in transforming the identified need into a tangible measure to support the fire service.” “This result reflects a joint effort to assess needs and mobilise the resources required to meet them. Coordination with the Finance department has made this extraordinary effort possible, ensuring that the commitment announced results in an effective increase in the funds available to associations,” he emphasised. The funding is provided by the Regional Cohesion and Economic Development Support Fund, in accordance with the joint order issued by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, covering the 17 Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in the Azores. “Acknowledging the work of firefighters means creating the conditions for them to carry out their mission. It is this commitment that we have been putting into practice by stepping up our support. This decision reaffirms that commitment, placing the rescue capacity and safety of the Azorean population at the heart of our priorities,” concluded Alonso Miguel.
September 16, 2026
Azorean Government increases funding for firefighters’ fuel by 25% and raises annual allocation to €802,000
The Regional Government will allocate an additional €161,000 to support the purchase of fuel by the 17 humanitarian associations of volunteer firefighters across the Region. The measure, made official by a joint order published today in the Official Journal, raises the ceiling initially set for 2026 by 25.1%, bringing the overall annual funding to over €802,000. The Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, Alonso Miguel, who is responsible for Civil Protection in the Azores, explained that this decision aims to offset the significant rise in diesel prices and safeguard the operational capacity of fire services. “We are making an additional financial effort to address a burden that directly affects the associations’ operations. We want to ensure that the rise in fuel costs does not result in further difficulties regarding the availability of ambulances and other emergency services,” stated the government official. The adjustment follows the rise in the reference price of diesel used in calculating the aid. This increase justified the application of a surcharge equivalent to the funding ceilings of the 17 associations, whilst maintaining the previously defined allocation criteria. Alonso Miguel emphasised that “the same amount of funding now goes further for less fuel, reducing the capacity to sustain operational activity.” The government official pointed out that this extraordinary increase adds to the rise in annual support implemented in recent years. In 2020, the fuel ceilings totaled around €440,000, having subsequently been updated to approximately €641,000 – an increase of around 46%. “We started with funding amounting to €440,000 and increased it to €641,000 per year. Now, in light of the rising cost of fuel, we have allocated a further €161,000, bringing the total funding to over €802,000 in 2026. That is about €362,000 more than in 2020, representing a cumulative increase of approximately 82%,” emphasised Alonso Miguel. For the Regional Secretary, this development demonstrates “an ongoing effort to increase funding for the fire service, coupled with the willingness to deal with circumstances that place new demands on associations.” “This decision represents an increased financial commitment for the Region. It involves allocating additional resources to expenditure that is essential for emergency response, prioritising the fire service’s response capacity and the safety of the population. It is a decision we have taken with a sense of responsibility and in full recognition of the demands of the mission carried out by these associations,” he stated. The measure stems from the assessment and analysis conducted by the Regional Secretariat for the Environment and Climate Action, through the Azores Regional Civil Protection and Fire Service, which looked at the impact of the rise in diesel prices on the aid granted and upheld the need for an urgent review. Carried out in conjunction with the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, these efforts led to the identification of a solution commensurate with the rise in costs and ensured the necessary funding. The order now published thus implements the increase previously announced by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, Duarte Freitas. Alonso Miguel highlighted “the commitment, willingness and cooperation of the Regional Secretariat for Finance, Planning and Public Administration, which were crucial in transforming the identified need into a tangible measure to support the fire service.” “This result reflects a joint effort to assess needs and mobilise the resources required to meet them. Coordination with the Finance department has made this extraordinary effort possible, ensuring that the commitment announced results in an effective increase in the funds available to associations,” he emphasised. The funding is provided by the Regional Cohesion and Economic Development Support Fund, in accordance with the joint order issued by the Regional Secretary for Finance, Planning and Public Administration and the Regional Secretary for the Environment and Climate Action, covering the 17 Humanitarian Associations of Volunteer Firefighters in the Azores. “Acknowledging the work of firefighters means creating the conditions for them to carry out their mission. It is this commitment that we have been putting into practice by stepping up our support. This decision reaffirms that commitment, placing the rescue capacity and safety of the Azorean population at the heart of our priorities,” concluded Alonso Miguel.