VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Forty Civil Protection officers from Malta are taking part in Portugal’s fight against devastating wildfires, sparked by an intense heatwave, drought, and water shortages. This marks the fifth international mission Maltese firefighters have undertaken in just two years.
The first group of 20 officers departed Malta on Saturday, with the remaining contingent expected to join them shortly. In Portugal, nearly 4,000 personnel are engaged in tackling seven major fires. Authorities have extended a nationwide state of alert until Sunday, citing extreme temperatures and bone-dry conditions. Despite the deployment, Malta’s Civil Protection Department confirmed that resources at home remain sufficient to provide full service across Malta and Gozo.
In recent years, Maltese Civil Protection teams have also supported firefighting and emergency efforts in Greece, Turkey, and Libya. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri credited ongoing government investment in equipment, training, and improved working conditions for enabling such international operations. “This transformation was made possible thanks to significant investment not only in equipment and training, but also in our firefighters themselves, who now enjoy the best conditions and salaries they have ever had,” Camilleri said.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
