The Portuguese Firefighters League has warned that higher costs are having a serious impact on the financial stability of humanitarian associations and their ability to keep services running.

League president António Nunes told Lusa that spending on fuel has increased by around 40%, with the transport of non-urgent patients among the areas most affected.

“The situation is becoming unsustainable,” Nunes told Lusa, adding that some associations are already facing cash-flow problems.

Several district firefighter federations have also called on the Government to act, saying they can no longer afford to cover the rising cost of fuel.

Nunes has raised the problem with Secretary of State for Civil Protection Rui Rocha. He said the Government may discuss new support for sectors affected by fuel price increases at this week’s Council of Ministers meeting, although the details are not yet known.

In the meantime, the League is asking the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection to immediately reimburse the fire brigades for their fuel costs in June and July, with the August payments to be made as quickly as possible.

Nunes explained that fire brigades often have to wait several months to recover money spent on operations, including fighting wildfires.