Rural fire specialist Xavier Viegas warned in Parliament of the increased risk of fires next summer, but ruled out the existence of collusion or organized interests in the so-called “fire industry”.
Heard in the parliamentary commission of inquiry into the fire affairs, proposed by Chega, the professor at the University of Coimbra considered that they could there are occasional situations of irregularities, but rejected the idea of concerted actions.
“I don’t deny that there may be isolated cases, but they are minor and localized situations. I don’t see collusion,” he said.
The expert stressed that activities associated with the sector, such as the management of burned wood or means of combat, are inevitable, arguing that one should not start from generalized suspicions.
Despite this, he left a clear warning: conditions for next summer could be more difficult.
Xavier Viegas highlighted the increase in fire violence ea biomass accumulation in areas affected by recent stormsfactors that can aggravate the risk.
To mitigate these dangers, he advocated the reinforcement of prevention and combat measuresincluding the use of retardants in aerial discharges ea presence of military personnel on days of greatest danger.
The expert also recognized that Portugal today has more means and resources, but warned that the responsiveness has limits.
Regarding investments, showed reservations about the effectiveness of Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft in combating fires, considering them “expensive” e inefficient given the number available, suggesting a greater focus on other air means.
At the same hearing, he also argued that It is not necessary to increase penalties for fire-related crimesbut yes ensure the application of existing laws.
