REN delivers all-wheel drive vehicles for the defence of the forest against fires

REN – Redes Energéticas Nacionais donated a fleet of all-wheel drive vehicles to entities associated with firefighters and civil protection, as part of its policy of supporting local communities, thus reinforcing the Company’s commitment to preventing rural wildfires.

The Lamego Voluntary Fire Brigade Humanitarian Association, the Vila Pouca de Aguiar Voluntary Fire Brigade Humanitarian Association, the Tábua Voluntary Fire Brigade Humanitarian Association and the Civil Protection teams from the municipality of Alenquer were the entities that received one vehicle each. Since 2009, REN has donated 94 vehicles to fire brigades and municipal fire-prevention teams.

Over the years, REN has consistently invested in prevention, actively contributing to the fight against rural wildfires. This effort is achieved through vegetation management and clearing, as well as reforestation of easement corridors. It also involves a close partnership with the Portuguese National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) and other forestry-related entities.

In May this year, REN was awarded the Gold Medal for Distinguished Service by the Portuguese Firefighters’ League for the support provided to voluntary firefighting organisations in various regions of the country.

According to João Gaspar, in charge of the area of Sustainable Networks and Easements, “REN's commitment to sustainability entails not only concern for the planet as a whole, but also the ongoing support for local communities and the entities entrusted with their safety and territory. Through these initiatives of support for the Firefighters and Civil Protection, we contribute to the efforts of preventing and fighting fires, we tackle climate change by limiting the release of greenhouse gases during fires, we protect and promote biodiversity, and we aid in safeguarding the communities. These are some of the pillars of REN’s sustainability strategy”.