Portugal’s parliament has approved legislation allowing prison inmates to be deployed in wildfire prevention efforts. The new law enables the prison service to mobilize prisoners for tasks such as clearing vegetation and creating firebreaks in forests and meadows. This measure aims to bolster the country’s capacity to prevent and manage wildfires, particularly during peak risk periods. Authorities cite a need for increased manpower in preventative operations as the driving force behind the legislation. The program will be implemented under the supervision of prison officials and is intended to supplement existing firefighting resources. The initiative reflects a growing concern over the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Portugal and across Southern Europe. It remains to be seen how widely the program will be adopted and its long-term impact on wildfire prevention.