The Independent Union of Forest Workers, Environment and Civil Protection (SinFAP) issued a statement on Wednesday reflecting on the current situation in Madeira, where flames have been burning for eight days.
The union officials begin by acknowledging that the situation reveals the “complexities and challenges” that the region faces in fire prevention and fighting. While emphasizing the “tireless” effort and dedication of all those involved, the union warns that now is the time “for moderation in public discourse,” particularly regarding statements that “may divert focus from necessary combat actions.”
“We are of the opinion that in the face of a catastrophe of this magnitude, demanding resignations without solutions is merely a simplistic and foolish exercise. We demand that forces be united and the fire be extinguished,” the statement reads, referring to criticisms of the Regional Government and respective calls for the resignation of officials such as the president, Miguel Albuquerque, or the regional secretary of Health and Civil Protection, Pedro Ramos.
SinFAP points out that only after the fire is extinguished “should lessons be learned” and “solutions” presented, as well as “each decision-maker understanding if they acted correctly and if they have the conditions to remain in their position.”
The union reinforces that each responsible party should “debate” in the aftermath of the situation, and responsibilities should be assumed.
The union also offers several suggestions for measures that should be implemented immediately, such as assessing the need for psychological support for the population or operatives, but also the “essential” review and strengthening of strategies, proposing, for example, a detailed mapping of risk areas.
Several improvements in fire response are also suggested, including salary increases for firefighters or the application of Fire Retardant Paints on Critical Infrastructure.
The president of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, announced on Wednesday that two Canadair aircraft from Spain will arrive tomorrow to combat the fire. At a press conference, the regional leader recalled that the capabilities of these aircraft allow them to reach areas of difficult access, and the more “compact” and voluminous way in which water is discharged will help in fighting the flames.
Regarding the criticisms that have been made in the last week, Albuquerque also responded. According to the president, the fire containment strategy has been “a success” and the flames have been fought “effectively and intelligently.” “When evaluating a process of this complexity, of a fire like this, it is not evaluated by emotional issues, but by the result,” he stated.
