Government Promised Second Helicopter by End of 2025, But It Did Not Arrive
The regional government of Madeira will not receive the second aerial firefighting aircraft promised for 2025. Micaela Freitas, speaking after the presentation of the Dispositivo Especial de Combate a Incêndios Rurais (DECIR) report, confirmed that despite earlier announcements, the helicopter has not yet arrived. “We are almost in December and we have no indication it will arrive this year,” Freitas said.
We had a visit from the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, and he himself told the media and the department that the second aircraft would arrive by the end of the year. But the truth is that it has not come yet. We are almost in December, and we have no indication that it will arrive this year (…) This is a situation that goes beyond the Regional Government.
Micaela Freitas, Diário de Notícias Madeira
Secretary of State of Civil Protection Visits Madeira to Discuss Pending Arrangements
The Secretary of State for Civil Protection recently visited Madeira to deal with pending issues with the local government. During the visit, he confirmed plans to support humanitarian firefighting associations and follow successful funding methods. However, he did not give a clear date for when the second helicopter will arrive in Madeira, making it highly unlikely to be provided anytime soon.
Authorities Hope the Second Aircraft Will Be Available in 2026
Officials remain hopeful that the additional helicopter will reach Madeira next year. Freitas emphasized that the delay is beyond the control of the regional government, highlighting the reliance on national-level decisions for critical firefighting resources.
Source: Diário de Notícias Madeira
Care for a share?
Comments