The boost in the Special Mechanism for Fighting Wildfires (DECIR 2026) represents the greatest increase in resources of the last decade and must reflect concrete outcomes in protecting people and the land. The request was made on Monday by the Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in Ponte da Barca when presenting the mechanism, following the AGIF Coordinating Board meeting (Agency for Wildland Fire Integrated Management).

"We cannot share numbers, we need to share results" and "the operating word is solving", he claimed, stressing that the investment made in human, material, and organisational resources must lead to effective improvements on the ground.

At the time of maximum development from 1 July to 30 September, 15 149 operatives, 3 463 vehicles, 2 596 teams and 81 aerial resources will be deployed, representing the largest aerial mechanism ever and a structural reinforcement compared to the 7 478 operatives and 47 aerial resources recorded in 2016.

Structural prevention and land management

The response to wildland fires is based on "two major pillars – prevention and fighting". Prevention refers to protecting "people, which is the most important element", but also "our nature, our historical heritage, our culture".

Land management, planning, the transformation of the landscape and the balance between agriculture, forests, environmental protection and economic activities make up the structural model defined by the Government.

In a context of preparation for "an especially exposed time of the year", anticipation takes on a fundamental role. "Prevention is always the best way to avoid disasters", the Prime Minister noted.

The recent heavy rainfall may heighten risks in the summer due to the rise in available flammable material, requiring "an added effort until the summer to protect, clean, and foster prevention work". This lack of intervention, he cautioned, "will expose us to a higher risk than usual".

More resources demand better results

The DECIR 2026 has "the largest aerial mechanism ever" and reinforces teams, vehicles, and clean-up equipment, significantly boosting operational capabilities.

"If we have more resources, we must have better results" Luís Montenegro remarked. The investment made in knowledge, qualification, organisation, and management "must yield that return and represent concrete improvements, or else it the efforts made to boost the State’s capabilities will be "inefficient".

The Prime Minister advocated that acting on the ground must be more agile and focused on solving problems. "The order we wish to give is to move forward. Drop the red tape and technocratic details". The priority is to serve people because "to assist and serve the public interest is always at the forefront".

Institutional unity and co-accountability

Luís Montenegro highlighted that at a time of crisis, the State’s response must be articulated and cohesive. "To the people, we are a single entity", he noted, advocating the cooperation between the Government, municipalities, intermunicipal communities, law enforcement, the military, the firefighters, and other public services.

Collective co-accountability is an essential condition for preventive and operational success. "We cannot accept negligent behaviour" and "we will not forgive those who dare to endanger our lives and our heritage". The Prime Minister claimed that this accountability is intended for the State as well as citizens.

Structural reinforcement doubles operatives compared to 2016

The DECIR 2026 consolidates the structural investment made in the last decade and boosts the country’s response capabilities.

For delta level operational deployment from 1 July to 30 September, 15 149 operatives will be deployed, as well as 2 596 teams and 81 aerial resources, including two Portuguese Air Force Black Hawk helicopters.

In 2016, the mechanism had 7 478 operatives, 1 601 vehicles and 47 aircraft. In 2026, the number of operatives is more than double, there are more than 3 400 vehicles and 81 aircraft. The number of Permanent Intervention Teams has gone from 165 to 770.

The budget for the mechanism is around 50 million euros 2026, compared to the approximately 38 million recorded in 2016, and the firefighters per diem has gone up from 45 euros ten years ago to 84 euros.

The ai mis to boost efficacy in response and ensure "a feeling of greater tranquillity, better preparedness and greater trust" in the country.