Lowest burnt area in two decades attributed by Loulé council to success of its strategy and the “active role” played by citizens
Loulé is celebrating what was a mostly uneventful year in terms of wildfires in the municipality, which registered its lowest burnt area in two decades.
A total of six hectares were destroyed in wildfires in the municipality of Loulé in 2024, the lowest number since 2004.
“Loulé had a positive performance in terms of wildfire management, showing that an integrated and collaborative strategy can yield significant results,” the municipal council says in a statement to the press.
Local leaders also highlight the “active role” that citizens played in preventing wildfires, proving their belief that “civil protection begins with each one of us.”
Although Loulé recorded the highest number of small-scale fire incidents in the Algarve, many were deemed false alarms. Says the council, this underscores the importance of constant vigilance and a swift response capacity, especially during the critical first moments of an incident.
The findings were shared at a meeting held on Tuesday (January 7) by the local council, led by mayor Vítor Aleixo who spoke in detail about the work carried out by local civil protection and firefighting forces.
The positive results achieved in 2024 were attributed enhanced resources and equipment, increased surveillance and more prevention measures. Despite the intense heat last summer, the collaborative work between the municipality and the Algarve Regional Emergency and Civil Protection Command (CREPC) helped played a vital role in these achievements, the council says.
GNR police also aided the fire prevention measures, patrolling rural areas by car, motorbike and on horseback, as well as local hunting associations.
