40 Civil Protection Malta Officers To Assist In Wildfire Fighting In Portugal

The Civil Protection Department (CPD) is deploying two teams of fire officers to Portugal to assist ongoing efforts to combat wildfires as part of an international mission under the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

A total of 40 officers will take part in the deployment, which will run until 31 August 2026.

The teams will work alongside Portuguese fire and rescue services, providing additional operational support in wildfire suppression and containment efforts.

The European Union Civil Protection Mechanism allows Member States to coordinate assistance quickly and effectively during emergencies, strengthening Europe’s collective ability to respond to natural disasters.

Announcing the deployment, Minister for Home Affairs and Security Glenn Bedingfield said the mission reflects the professionalism and capabilities of Malta’s Civil Protection Department. He said Maltese fire officers are recognised for their commitment, expertise and dedication, adding that Malta’s involvement demonstrates the confidence placed in the department by international partners.

Minister Bedingfield said that while supporting Portugal during a challenging period, Malta is continuing to show solidarity as a responsible European Union partner prepared to assist countries facing emergencies.

The deployment forms part of a pre-positioning initiative designed to ensure a rapid response during periods when wildfire risks are at their highest. It aims to strengthen protection for communities, critical infrastructure and the environment by increasing firefighting capacity before major emergencies occur.

The Civil Protection Department has previously participated in international missions through the European Union mechanism, including wildfire response operations in Greece, Türkiye and Libya.

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