It was a full house at the Monchique ‘Wildfire Prevention and Environmental Protection Seminar’ held at the local Junta de Freguesia on Friday last week.
Organised by Associação Safe Communities Algarve, its president David Thomas spoke of the association’s support for the work of the emergency services concerning wildfire prevention.
Captain Rui Cardona, Commander of the GNR Portimão, then explained how the SEPNA unit helps in forest fire prevention and its role when dealing with animal cruelty and environmental issues.
Carina Coelho from the Civil Protection Agency (ANPC) addressed the role of the ANPC, outlining their structure, responsibilities, how they coordinate resources in response to fires as well as action to be taken in the event of an earthquake.
This was followed by a presentation from Manuel Carvalho, Commander of the Monchique firefighters, who described their work in preventing and dealing with fires.
After the seminar, the group visited the GNR GIPS’ base nearby, where they heard about the unit’s role in fighting wildfire, and were shown the helicopter operated by DECIF (special forest fire unit). The next stop was at the Bombeiros fire station where Commander Carvalho gave a talk on how the station operated and what equipment was used.
David Thomas said: “The fire risk in Monchique has been at high level several times this year, so I am pleased with the turnout from residents.”
Further seminars are planned in the coming weeks, including in Messines on June 26 and Silves on July 5.
www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com
Photo: Some of the participants at the helicopter demonstration
