Financial directive amended to support firefighters in combating wildfires
The Regional Government has changed the rules for financial contributions to entities that are part of the rural firefighting system, increasing the amount per kilometer and simplifying procedures.
An amendment to the financial directive regulating support for entities that are part of the Madeira Special Rural Firefighting Device (DECIR-RAM) has been published. The change, introduced by Ordinance No. 434/2026, aims for a faster and more adequate response to operational demands, especially during periods of higher fire risk.
The ordinance makes the first amendment to Ordinance No. 4/2026, which approved the Financial Directive for 2026. The main changes are:
- Increase in the contribution per kilometer: The amount allocated to the entities that own the Madeira Regional Fire Departments and the Portuguese Red Cross (CVP) for the costs of using operational vehicles increases to €0.65 per kilometer (it was previously a lower amount not specified in this ordinance). This contribution is intended to compensate for vehicle wear and tear and fuel consumption.
- Simplification of procedures: Some paragraphs of Articles 9 and 10, which detailed conditions for vehicle repair and equipment replacement, were revoked, presumably to streamline compensation processes during critical operational engagement phases.
The new ordinance comes into force the day after its publication, but its effects are retroactive to the date of activation of the "BRAVO" engagement level, which occurred on June 1, 2026. This update results from the experience of applying the original directive and the evolution of operational needs.
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