From August 1 to 16 of this year, sixteen officials from the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFS) will travel to Portugal to provide assistance during the high-risk wildfire season under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
Lieutenant Colonel Ingars Avens, Head of the Operational Management Division of the Operational Management Department of the Fire Department, emphasizes: “These dry grass and forest fires are significantly different from those we experience in Latvia. Portuguese firefighters have developed unique knowledge, skills and tactics in extinguishing such fires over the years. Taking into account the climate changes we are observing in Latvia, this will also be a very valuable practical experience for the Fire Department employees. It is also an opportunity to help colleagues within the framework of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and we are pleased with this cooperation.”.
Given the increasing risk of fires in most of Portugal, the European Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has received an official request for assistance. In response, the Latvian Fire and Rescue Service will send a team of 16 officers with special ranks to Portugal. The firefighters will represent all regions of Latvia and will work in close cooperation with local colleagues.
The SFRS employees will mainly provide support in the Almeirim region, but if the situation requires, part of the unit may be transferred to another area with a high risk of forest fires. This will be the third time that Latvian firefighters have provided assistance to their Portuguese colleagues.
On July 22, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the deployment of SFRS officials to Portugal to ensure timely involvement in extinguishing wildfires. Approximately 583 firefighters from 13 EU Member States will participate in the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism this fire season.