Portugal reinforces rural fire‑fighting with helicopter and extra crews

The municipality of Ourique will operate a Light Bomber Helicopter from its municipal heliport between 1 June and 30 September, forming part of the 2026 Rural Fire‑Fighting Device. The aerial unit is intended to enable rapid initial attacks on ignitions during the high‑risk summer period, while the municipality continues to support its volunteer fire brigade.

In the wider Alentejo Litoral area, the Rural Fire‑Fighting Device (DECIR) was reinforced on 1 June with 204 operatives and 46 vehicles, including the aerial unit based at the Grândola Air‑Means Centre. From 1 July to 30 September (the "Delta" phase), the device will mobilise 216 operatives and 49 vehicles. This includes 10 permanent intervention teams (50 staff), 17 fire‑combat teams (85 staff), 8 logistical support teams (16 staff), 7 forest‑sapper teams (35 staff) and 10 personnel from the GNR Emergency Protection and Rescue Unit. The reinforced resources aim to strengthen response capacity and reduce rural fire risk throughout the summer months.