Timor-Leste funds new firefighting vehicles for Portuguese brigades

The Mangualde Volunteer Firefighters Association is among 22 organizations in Portugal's Central Region set to receive financial support for the acquisition of new Forest Firefighting Vehicles (VFCI).

The funding is part of an international cooperation initiative between the Portuguese Republic and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This follows a $10 million USD donation from the Timorese state, led by Xanana Gusmão, to the Portuguese government after wildfires impacted Portugal in 2025.

The contracts will be signed in Pinhel, involving representatives from the government, the CCDR Centro, and the Portuguese Firefighters League. The investment aims to strengthen operational capacity and ensure faster, more effective responses to rural and forest fire emergencies.