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The Autonomous Region of Madeira establishes a new integrated model for planning and fighting rural fires, adapting procurement rules and updating the fine regime.
The Legislative Assembly of Madeira has approved Regional Legislative Decree no. 4/2026/M, which creates the Integrated Rural Fire Management System of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (SGIFR-RAM). This new regulatory framework aims to provide the Region with its own tools for planning, prevention, surveillance, and firefighting, adapting regional specificities to the national model.
The diploma also introduces special public procurement measures for fuel management actions, allowing for faster procedures (direct award or prior consultation) for contracts up to €1,087,500.00. Oversight will be ensured by the Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation (IFCN, IP-RAM) and municipalities, including the possibility of coercive execution on private land in case of non-compliance.
The decree also amends Regional Legislative Decree no. 18/98/M, updating the fine amounts for infractions, which will now range between €150.00 and €30,000.00, depending on the severity and the nature of the offender (individual or legal entity).
The Institute of Forests and Nature Conservation will occupy the Quinta Vila Passos through a sublease and receive the vessel 'GOLDMUND' to support marine protected areas.
Two ordinances authorize the distribution of budgetary charges for the acquisition of a river flow monitoring network and an integrated forest fire video surveillance system.
A 100% financial support for reforestation and recovery of forest areas affected by fires, pests, or natural disasters has been approved.