GNR deploys 230 daily patrols to prevent wildfires

The GNR has stepped up its wildfire prevention and surveillance operations, deploying 230 daily patrols across Portugal as the country braces for a period of extreme heat and elevated fire risk.

The reinforced operation includes 210 mobile GNR police patrols and a further 20 patrols provided by the Armed Forces, with authorities focusing on areas considered most vulnerable to wildfires.

According to the GNR, all agencies involved in Portugal’s Integrated Rural Fire Management System have been placed on alert, with patrols being intensified in forestry and agricultural areas in line with local risk levels.

Particular attention is being given to municipalities affected by Storm Kristin and areas with a history of wildfires or suspected arson.

The enhanced surveillance effort also includes drones operated by the GNR’s Emergency Protection and Relief Unit, supported by a fixed-wing drone provided by the Portuguese Air Force.

Authorities are additionally monitoring around seven million hectares of land through a network of 147 remote forest surveillance towers and 80 lookout posts staffed by 320 fire watchers.

The operation also includes 23 specialist forestry information teams comprising 140 officers trained in forest monitoring and fire prevention.

The additional Armed Forces patrols are being deployed in Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Faro, Guarda, Santarém, Vila Real and Viseu, while 10 of the 20 military patrols will be dedicated specifically to areas affected by Storm Kristin.

The GNR said enforcement efforts will focus on activities commonly associated with wildfire outbreaks, including illegal burning, unauthorised use of machinery and other high-risk behaviour.

Since the start of the year, the force has carried out almost 23,000 wildfire surveillance patrols, contributing to the identification of 718 suspects and the arrest of 120 people in connection with forest fire offences.

Investigations carried out by the GNR show that negligence remains the leading cause of wildfires in Portugal. Nearly 60% of fires investigated this year were linked to careless use of fire, including burn-offs and agricultural burning, while 11.6% were found to have been started deliberately.

Authorities are reminding the public that during periods of very high or maximum wildfire danger it is prohibited to carry out burn-offs, light fires or even smoke in rural areas, launch sky lanterns or fireworks, and use certain types of machinery without the legally required fire prevention equipment.

The military police force also recalls that citizens have a 24-hour hotline at their disposal, Linha SOS Ambiente e Território (808 200 520), to clarify doubts or alert authorities.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.