40 Civil Protection Officers To Help Fight Wildfires In Portugal

Malta is deploying 40 Civil Protection officers to Portugal to help combat wildfires fuelled by an intense heatwave, drought, and severe water shortages. The first contingent of 20 officers departed today, with a second group set to follow shortly.

The Ministry for Home Affairs, Security and Employment confirmed that the deployment will not affect local operations, with the Civil Protection Department maintaining full service in Malta and Gozo.

This mission marks the fifth international operation carried out by Maltese firefighters in just two years, following similar interventions in Greece, Turkey, and Libya.

Speaking before the officers’ departure, Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment ,Byron Camilleri, praised the department’s transformation in recent years, highlighting significant investment in equipment, training, and working conditions.

“From a department once reliant on second-hand equipment, we have transformed it into one of the most efficient and professional units, providing peace of mind to the Maltese people,” he said. “This investment has strengthened our ability to safeguard Malta and assist other nations in need.”

Director General of the Civil Protection Department Peter Paul Coleiro emphasised that the deployment would not impact domestic readiness. He also urged the public to remain vigilant to the heightened fire risk in dry rural areas during the summer months.

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