Full House at Monchique Wildfire Prevention Seminar
It was a full house at the Monchique Wildfire Prevention and Environmental Protection Seminar held at the Junta de Fregusia de Monchique on Friday 30th May 2014, jointly organized by Safe Communities Algarve and GNR Portimao.
The seminar began with David Thomas President of Associacao Safe Communities Algarve welcoming those present and gave an introduction on how the Association supports the work of the emergency services concerning wildfire prevention. A presentation was then given by Captain Rui Cardona Commander GNR Portimão of the work of SEPNA in helping to prevent forest fires as well as their roles in dealing with cruelty to animals and other environmental protection matters.
Ms Carina Coelho from the ANPC Civil Protection Agency then explained 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 unlikely event of an earthquake. This was followed by a presentation by Manuel Carvelho, Commander of the Monchique Bombeiros who outlined the work they undertook in both preventing and dealing with fires in the area.
A lengthy question and answer session then took place in which questions were raised about the cleaning of both private and public land in order to help prevent fires; the role of the municipality in this respect; how to report fire risks; the GNR Safe Residence Programme and whether the numbering system could be used by the Bombeiros; the use of fire prevention leaflets for visitors using mobile homes and other fire risks.
After the seminar a visit was made to the GNR GIPS base nearby where a briefing was took place on coordinating local response to a wildfire followed by a demonstration of their equipment. The visit included a visit to and briefing on the operation of the helicopter operated by DECIF and a demonstration of some of its equipment. The group then visited the Bombeiros fire station where Commander Carvelho gave a talk on how the station operated and its equipment.
David Thomas commented “This was one of the most comprehensive seminars and displays to take place in area on this important subject aimed preventing wildfires. Our thanks go to the GNR Portimao in helping to organize this event. The Fire risk has already been at “extreme” level in Monchique several times so far this year so I am pleased with the turnout from residents”.
More displays/seminars are planned in the coming weeks including Messines on 26th June and Silves on 4th July. More details are on the Safe Communities Algarve website; www.safecommunitiesalgarve.com. If you would like to attend please register with Associação Safe Communities Algarve at 913045093 or info@safecommunitiesalgarve.com.
- Nearly 300 cars disappear after Asia Pacific Summit
- Conference on urban security brings together experts in Coimbra
- GNR Operation “Violence is not an option”
- Nineteen arrested in France and Italy in Multi Million Gold Laundering Operation
- OPERATION KRYPTONITE – JUDICIAL POLICE DETAIN FIVE FOREIGNERS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING
- Leiria – Arrested for Sexual Abuse of a Person Unable to Resist and Sexual Abuse of Children
- Fire in Garachico, Funchal
- Two “Hells Angels” detained by the PJ in the Algarve
- Eleven detained by PJ in high quality drugs seizure on high seas
- GNR seize 12 tonnes of tobacco
- PortugalChama Portugal Calls campaign – Rural Fire Prevention and Protection Launched
- Police Video Cameras on Uniforms
- Complaints against police actions at a maximum of seven years
- Minister of Internal Affairs says police cameras on uniforms under consideration
- PJ inspectors strike on first week of February
