A segurança das populações aos incêndios rurais em Portugal: As potencialidades e fragilidades dos programas "Aldeia segura" e "Pessoas seguras"

Abstract

In Portugal, 2017 proved to be the most tragic year in terms of loss of life associated with wildfires that also induced major economic impacts. In this context, "Safe Village" and "Safe People" Programs were created that year, defining various measures, namely awareness-raising and self-protection actions, simulations, design of evacuation plans, creation of shelters, measures to protect goods and buildings in the urban-forest interface. This paper aims to understand the experiences of the municipalities on the implementation of the programs "Safe Village" and "Safe People". An online survey was conducted to the municipalities that implemented these programs. A response rate of 69% was obtained. Various difficulties in the implementation of these programs for the safety of populations and villages were identified. The results obtained allow the presentation of a set of recommendations to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the two programs mentioned above and, consequently, reduce the social and economic damage of rural fires.