Karratha firefighter off to help Portuguese brigades

A firefighter from Karrathahas flown to Portugal to assist with the mentoring and training of Portuguese fire personnel.

Portugal recently experienced the impact of devastating fires.

Pedro Palheiro, originally from Portugal, is a specialised Parks and Wildlife Service firefighter from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions with extensive experience and knowledge in forest fire management.

Fire management services branch manager Stefan de Haan said his colleague was highly skilled and experienced in fire management roles including planning, logistics and training.

Mr Palheiro manages the Parks and Wildlife Service’s Pilbara regional fire program, which focuses on the protection of visitors and infrastructure from uncontrolled bushfires on department-managed land.

Mr de Haan said Pedro was experienced in the planning and implementation of the burn program, and the annual training of regional fire staff for burning and bushfire suppression. Mr Palheiro and fellow DBCA firefighter Paul Dunstan will be visiting locations throughout Portugal in the next three weeks.