The second aerial asset for firefighting in Madeira, with costs covered by the state, continues to have no scheduled arrival date. The Regional Secretary for Health and Civil Protection, Micaela Freitas, confirmed that the Regional Government has fulfilled its part in the process.
The process is now dependent on the Portuguese Air Force opening a tender. The Autonomous Region of Madeira has already signed the protocol for the provision of this second helicopter, but its operationalization awaits a national decision.
Micaela Freitas assured that the regional executive has been monitoring the process weekly with national authorities. Despite it being mid-August, the official highlighted its relevance, as the Special Rural Firefighting Device (DECIR) period only ends on November 30th.
