Fogo e Futuro: prevenir hoje para proteger o amanhã

The first 2026 edition of the "Before It Happens" program, a partnership with the Municipal Civil Protection Service, was dedicated to the topic of rural fires and the future of prevention, serving as a framework for the conference "Fire and Future: Prevention and Reflection," which takes place on January 30th, an initiative of the Arrifana Volunteer Firefighters in collaboration with the municipality. The conversation included Ricardo Castro, Commander of the Arrifana Volunteer Firefighters, and André Teixeira, representing the Municipal Civil Protection Service. Throughout the interview, the importance of looking to the future not only in terms of resources and technology, but above all through behavioral change, strengthening prevention, and individual and collective responsibility was emphasized. The main current challenges in fire prevention were discussed, as well as the fundamental role of citizens in risk reduction, and the lessons learned from the fires of recent years that are already being applied on the ground. Ongoing training for firefighters and civil protection agents has emerged as a central axis for responding to increasingly complex fires, ensuring greater safety, better coordination, and new skills adapted to the current reality. The "Fire and Future" conference was presented as a space for reflection open not only to technicians and civil protection agents, but also to the community, reinforcing the importance of public involvement in building a safer and more resilient territory. The program concluded with an appeal for awareness and active participation from everyone in fire prevention, reminding everyone that safety begins before problems occur.