Fires: Government guarantees “appropriate response” to “abnormal” number of fires – Digital Journal

The Secretary of State for Internal Affairs, João Almeida, said Wednesday in Viana do Castelo that the national system for combating forest fires has, in recent days, a ‘positive response’ to an ‘unusual’ number of fires.

“They were two intense days. The device gave a positive response despite the severe weather conditions, and even with these severe weather conditions, a number of events that goes beyond what would be normal,” he said.

João Almeida was speaking at the end of an emergency meeting that called for the Alto Minho capital. At the meeting attended by the mayors of Viana do Castelo district, and all entities of civil protection to analyze the fires that are plowing in the municipalities of Vila Nova de Cerveira, walks and Monsoon.

“There here, specifically in Viana do Castelo district, in recent days, an abnormal number of occurrences, given the history, for weather severity we are facing (…). There are several events that have had a lasting very significant time in different cities, “said the secretary of state.

The official assured that none of the entities present at the meeting” referenced failures, both in terms of terrestrial device, either of aircraft “, and said that among the Viana do Castelo district and Braga, “are five platoons of the Army” to support the patrol, contingent “may be reinforced as needed.”

The Secretary of State for Interior announced yet be on the way in the region to force that helped on Saturday to fight a fire in the Spanish Extremadura.

He added that the Viana do Castelo district are currently 16 support groups across the country and that “has been concentrated in this district, and also in Braga, a very significant part of the air assets expanded attack that the national system has.”

“It has been important, and was recognized at the meeting as sufficient but had to arrange for this succession, over the days not produce breaks, to give the same effective response, “said John Almeida stressing the need for the next few days” to assess on the ground the organization and logistics, so there is no break in responsiveness “.

Asked by Lusa Secretary of State referred to the Minister of Internal Affairs a progress point on Monday, on the fires that burn in the country.

However, he added that “the last days, arguably the days of greater commitment of national system”.

“I must stress that having been the days of greater commitment of the device, with a number of occurrences today, until 19:00 had already exceeded the 300 occurrences, the 6000 fire, the 1,500 vehicles and 130 of aircraft missions. With all this load the response has been adequate with the natural difficulties that have to do with the weather and the terrain. “

The official also stressed” the need to further increase awareness and deterrence practices that may, although being negligent, albeit unintentionally, contribute to the occurrence of forest fires. It is essential to appeal to the entire population meets all known precautions “, emphasized

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