ULusófona Coordinates European Programme on Rural Fire Prevention

Between 5 and 9 May, the Department of Civil Protection at Lusófona University - Porto University Centre successfully coordinated the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Wildfires Prevention and Management”, bringing together students from Germany, Croatia, Spain, Finland, and the Czech Republic.

This international and educational initiative combined virtual and in-person sessions, promoting the exchange of knowledge and best practices in the field of civil protection, with a focus on the prevention and management of rural fires.

The programme began on 5 May with a welcome session and a brainstorming activity on European legislation regarding the use of drones in firefighting.

In the following days, participants engaged in theoretical classes on extreme fire behaviour, collaborative workshops with case studies, and cultural moments such as a guided tour of Porto's historic city centre.

The highlight of the week took place on 8 May, with a practical controlled burn demonstration in Vila Real, which incorporated the use of drones as a decision-support tool in fire contexts. The activity, carried out in partnership with the Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), was highlighted by participants as the most memorable experience of the training. The day concluded with an official reception at the Vila Real City Hall.

The final day of the programme, on 9 May, was dedicated to presenting technologies applied to civil protection in the students' home countries, concluding with an overall review of the initiative.

The BIP was coordinated by lecturer André Rodrigues, who highlighted the importance of the event in developing practical skills and promoting cooperation between higher education institutions and operational entities.

“This BIP was more than a training course; it was a demonstration of how international cooperation and practical learning can better prepare professionals for the real challenges of civil protection,” stated André Rodrigues at the closing session.

The initiative demonstrated that, with effective resource management, it is possible to create high-quality training programmes with European impact, reinforcing the institution's role as an active promoter of knowledge and innovation in the field of civil protection.

View the Event Photos on Lusófona University's Facebook Page

Photography
CFR - Consultoria, Formação e Regulação

Editing
CFR - Consultoria, Formação e Regulação and Catarina Machado

Coverage
CFR - Consultoria, Formação e Regulação and Catarina Machado

News
Sofia Pereira