Brisa Autoestradas presents PARGIR (Plan of Action and Response to Large Rural Fires), an initiative developed in coordination with the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) and the GNR, as stated in a press release.
According to the same source, the plan is of particular relevance in a year when wildfires have already affected more than 250,000 hectares in the European Union, an area larger than the average recorded up to this point in the year over the past two decades, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Portugal is among the European countries historically most exposed to rural fire risk.
Under the motto “Where there’s smoke, activate safety mode. Know what to do in a fire scenario,” the plan brings together a set of recommendations designed to reinforce drivers’ safety in situations of fire that affect road traffic.
If traffic is still possible, drivers should slow down, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front, and travel with lights on, including the four hazard lights when necessary. In case of very reduced visibility, the white guide line should be used as a reference. Windows should remain closed, air intakes closed and the air conditioning recirculation mode activated. Motorists should always respect authorities’ instructions and should never drive in the opposite direction, unless ordered by police.
If it is not possible to continue driving, Brisa Autoestradas recommends that the vehicle be immobilized off the carriageway, away from vegetation, preferably near solid structures, such as sound barriers, concrete walls, overpasses or viaducts. The engine, lights and the four hazard lights should remain on, and the horn can be used to facilitate the vehicle’s location. Occupants should remain inside, with the windows closed.
Before starting any journey, Brisa Autoestradas also recommends travelers plan their routes, consult ANEPC’s active incidents and the alerts from the GNR and PSP. They may also use navigation applications such as Google Maps or Waze.
Brisa Autoestradas also encourages pre-downloading the SOS Autoestradas application, available on the App Store and Google Play, which allows the driver to request help in an emergency. The application automatically sends the exact location to the management center of the concessionaire responsible for the road stretch, reducing the time needed to trigger the means of assistance and the intervention of rescue teams, being especially useful in fire situations with immobilized vehicles and reduced visibility.
In case of emergency, contact 112, the Brisa Support Line (210 730 300) or use the SOS Autoestradas application.
