Brava Island without a fire department, but with trained personnel capable of intervention - mayor
The president of Brava City Council, Francisco Tavares, confirmed today that the island does not yet have a fire department, but assured that there are trained elements with the capacity to intervene as such.
Speaking to Inforpress, regarding International Firefighters Day, which is celebrated today, Tavares highlighted that the island has a group of men who were promoted in a training course as Civil Protection and Firefighters agents, in the municipality, together with the National Civil Protection System.
In this sense, he also informed that the municipality intended to create a professional body, but with only three members, for reasons of emigration, the municipality integrated the remaining elements into the chamber's services, but “always alert to intervene if necessary” in the area of Civil Protection and Firefighters.
“The other members of society not incorporated into this group from Brava also act as volunteers, and the city council requests their support whenever necessary. Therefore, in the sense of the word, I cannot say that we have a fire brigade, but rather formed elements”, concluded the mayor.
According to Francisco Tavares, registrations are open for training at the city council to train people with the capacity to intervene as a firefighter, in partnership with firefighters nationwide.
When asked whether the municipality does not need to have an effective fire brigade, he said that the island does need a Civil Protection intervention body, which he considered to be more than firefighters, taking into account that this corporation is more linked to combat to fires.
“What we need is to reinforce the island’s capacity in terms of equipment, namely specialized fire-fighting vehicles, municipal ambulances, which we had, but ended up getting damaged, and more instruments so that the volunteer groups that did the training can use in case of need. ”, he highlighted.
According to Francisco Tavares, the island has a seismic risk and, if necessary, at least the municipality has the necessary uniforms and materials to intervene in any area.
The mayor stated that so far Civil Protection has responded to demands, however, he highlighted that every time “some eventuality” occurs, the authorities feel that the island “needs more resources, to better invest”.
International Firefighter's Day, celebrated on May 4th, aims to recognize the work of professionals who dedicate their lives to protecting populations, providing care and support services.
