Portugal’s Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, has announced a strategic overhaul of the nation’s emergency response framework to prepare for what he warns will be a “very hard” summer. Facing the aftermath of severe storms from January and February, the government is deploying new command structures and operational resources to mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires.
The CIPO: A Strategic Response to a ‘Powder Keg’
The government has established the Comando Integrado de Prevenção e Operações (CIPO), headquartered in Leiria. Minister Neves described Leiria as a “powder keg,” making it the logical center for a structure designed to intervene where urgency is highest.
The CIPO was created specifically to address the needs of 22 municipalities currently in a state of calamity. These areas were severely impacted by a series of storms earlier this year, leaving the interior of the country vulnerable.
Led by Elísio Oliveira, a former Regional Commander for Lisbon and Vale do Tejo, the CIPO aims to resolve both coordination failures and bureaucratic redundancies. Neves emphasized that the structure is not a “matrioska,” but a streamlined command meant to dismantle institutional “walls.”
Operational Command and the ‘Backbone’ of Protection
Regarding the chain of command during active firefighting, Minister Neves asserted that firefighters remain the “great backbone of Civil Protection” and will hold the primary voice of command.
However, the Minister noted that in “absolutely exceptional and extraordinary” situations, the Autoridade Nacional de Emergência e Proteção Civil (ANEPC) may assume command. He insists that this hierarchy is already resolved and should not be viewed as a problem.
Systemic Upgrades and SIRESP Redundancy
The government is also implementing changes to the Sistema Integrado de Redes de Emergência e Segurança de Portugal (SIRESP). Neves promised “qualitative leaps” in efficacy and reach, with new equipment and repeaters to be visible in part by this summer.
Funding has already been secured for these upgrades, following recommendations from the Prime Minister. The goal is to ensure that the communication failures experienced during previous blackouts and storms do not recur.
The Path Toward Professionalization
A key component of the ANEPC reform involves the professionalization of firefighters to better attract and retain human resources. However, Minister Neves opposes a 100% professional model.
He argues that total professionalization would exclude citizens with other professions who wish to contribute to public service. He advocates for a partial professionalization to maintain a balance between specialized staff and volunteers.
Future Outlook and the Return of CDOS
The eventual return of the Comandos Distritais de Operações de Socorro (CDOS)—structures dismantled in 2023—remains a possibility. While a diploma already exists, Neves stated it is not yet the time for approval.
The Minister has visited nine districts to gauge local sensitivities and concerns. A final decision on the CDOS is likely to be made in the autumn, following the conclusion of the summer fire season.
Looking ahead, the government may continue to expand the Operações Integradas de Gestão da Paisagem (OIGP) to manage high-risk territories via the Environmental Fund. If grave coordination or communication failures occur this summer, the Minister indicated that decisions “that impose themselves” would be taken swiftly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading the CIPO?
The CIPO is led by Elísio Oliveira, who previously served as the Regional Commander of Lisbon and Vale do Tejo at the ANEPC.
Why was Leiria chosen as the base for the CIPO?
Leiria was chosen because Minister Luís Neves described the area as a “powder keg,” making it a critical point for managing the 22 municipalities in a state of calamity.
When will the government decide on the return of the CDOS?
The Minister has committed to a timeline in the autumn, after the summer season has passed.
Do you believe a hybrid model of professional and volunteer firefighters is the most effective approach for national safety?
