Brisa creates a plan with recommendations for drivers caught in fires

Brisa has created a plan with recommendations for drivers if they encounter rural fires near highways, as well as an app that provides rapid alerts and monitors fire development in real time.

The Large Forest Fires Action and Response Plan (PARGIR) was developed by Brisa in collaboration with security authorities and rescue services: the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority, the GNR, the Agency for the Integrated Management of Rural Fires, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests and the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere.

The plan provides recommendations to drivers and includes an application that "integrates technological solutions that monitor fire development in real time and provide rapid alerts," explained Brisa's communications office.

Regarding advice for those traveling on the road and encountering a fire, Brisa begins by asking that people "follow the authorities' orders and respect the signs."

If smoke and heat are nearby, drivers should stop their vehicle in a safe place and remain inside, without turning off the engine, according to PARGIR, which also advises keeping the car lights on and using the horn.

In case of flames and smoke, windows should be closed and air conditioning recirculation should be turned on, adds Brisa.

Driving on highways should be done slowly, with lights on, including turn signals, maintaining a safe distance from the car in front, never reversing, and following the white lines on the asphalt. Stops on the highway must be made on the right shoulder and, if possible, under bridges or on overpasses, without getting out of the vehicle and with the engine running.

“Only after the fire has passed and there are no flames around should you leave the vehicle, protecting your airways with a wet cloth if possible,” recommends Brisa.

Brisa recommends installing the SOS Autoestradas app, but also staying informed via radio and checking for fire alerts using navigation apps like Waze.

In more complicated cases, drivers should call 112 or the Brisa line 210 730 300.

PARGIR aims to ensure the safety of highway users caught in fires, but also to facilitate the work of those fighting the flames and providing assistance, and is valid in all situations involving forest fires that affect roads and highways.

However, PARGIR was specifically designed for three high-risk areas, due to the terrain profile, vegetation and fire history, which are: the A1 – on the section between Pombal – Leiria, the A3 on the section between Ponte de Lima (North) and Sapardos (N303), and the A4 – on the section between the A4/A41 junction and Baltar.

To support drivers, Brisa has also developed an information leaflet with safety instructions and guidance on what to do in the event of a fire, which will be distributed at toll booths in identified high-risk areas and made available on the company's website.

Portugal is on alert due to worsening weather forecasts, which predict rising temperatures this Monday and a significant risk of rural fires. Temperatures are expected to drop only starting on the 13th.

During this period, access, circulation and permanence within forest areas are prohibited, in accordance with municipal forest fire defense plans, as well as the carrying out of burning and slash-and-burn activities, and authorizations issued for this period are also suspended.

The alert status also prohibits work in forested and rural areas involving machinery and the use of fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices. In this case, any previously issued permits are also suspended.