Lisbon Metropolitan Area Launches Public Consultation on New Rural Fire Action Program
The Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) has announced the start of a public consultation period for the revision of its Sub-regional Action Program, a key instrument within the Integrated Rural Fire Management System (SGIFR). The review process, which will accept public contributions until September 22, was confirmed by the metropolitan authority as a move to increase the effectiveness of fire prevention and combat measures across the region. The program's revision seeks to foster a more integrated and participatory approach to land management throughout the AML's territory.
An official statement from the AML detailed that the action program establishes seven priority areas for intervention and prevention. These areas are central to twelve key projects identified for the region, which are strategically located in some of Portugal's most significant natural reserves. The list includes the highly valued Parque Natural de Sintra-Cascais and Parque Natural da Arrábida, both of which are critical ecological and tourist assets for the Lisbon region. Other specified locations are the Serra da Carregueira, the Matas Nacionais da Costa de Caparica, Tapada Nacional de Mafra, Mata Nacional da Machada, and the forest areas of Fernão Ferro and Apostiça.
The selection of these priority zones was not arbitrary. According to the documentation released for public review, the areas were defined based on the official fire hazard map produced by the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), Portugal's national authority for nature and forest conservation. This map identifies territories with higher susceptibility to rural fires, necessitating targeted prevention and management efforts. The program's goal is to implement proactive measures that reduce risk and enhance the resilience of these landscapes.
The AML has called for input from all interested parties, emphasizing that contributions should be submitted via e-mail within a 30-day window following the publication of the official notice. This participatory approach is intended to gather diverse perspectives and ensure the resulting program is robust and comprehensive. A representative from a local environmental association noted, “This is a critical opportunity for communities to engage with the policies that will protect our shared natural spaces. The impact of these fires goes beyond the environment, affecting local economies and the safety of residents.”
For those wishing to examine the proposal in detail, the AML has made all relevant documents available for consultation. They can be accessed online through the official portal or viewed in person at the AML headquarters located at Rua Cruz de Santa Apolónia in Lisbon. The office is open for consultations on weekdays during standard business hours, from 10h00 to 12h00 and from 14h30 to 16h30. The final approved program will shape land management and safety protocols in these key areas for the foreseeable future.
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