The Delta phase of forest fighting takes place from July 1 to September 30, which is the most critical period and requires the most resources. DECIR 2025 was activated on May 15, involving special attention to the most vulnerable areas of Beira Baixa, with various levels of operational commitment.

The Bravo phase, in force until May 31, has 569 operatives, 117 vehicles and four aircraft.

As the summer season arrives, the Beira Baixa region “is counting on a significant reinforcement of human, land and air resources to deal with rural fires”, Pedro Nunes, the Sub-Regional Commander of Emergency and Civil Protection, said in a statement to Lusa.


During the Charlie phase, occurring from June 1 to June 30, the permanent available resources include 601 operatives, 154 vehicles and eight aircraft.

This system is a joint effort of human, technical and operational resources, provided by firefighters, the armed forces, the GNR, PSP, forestry sappers, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests, the Beira Baixa Intermunicipal Community, municipal Civil Protection services and AFOCELCA.

The Beira Baixa Sub-Regiona Command has also announced plans for surveillance in critical areas by the competent local security forces, and awareness raising events among rural populations by the Municipal Civil Protection Services where fires historically have the worst impact.

“Most fires are the result of human negligence”, Pedro Nunes noted. “A simple gesture, such as burning piles or using forestry machinery or other machinery and equipment on prohibited days, can be the cause of a fire.”

Taking this into account, the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority is calling on the population of Beira Baixa to be vigilant and to call the national emergency number 112 whenever they detect a fire.