The masks, made of polyester, do not help to avoid inhalation of fumes.

Two officers from the Castelo Branco district said that the mask heats a lot and it smells like glue. They also complained about the reflective vests, also made of polyester.

Foxtrot Aventura, based in Fafe, Braga, manufacturer of the masks from whom civil protection authorities bought 15,000 'kits' and 70,000 masks in June 2018 said that it considered this was merchandising and that the authorities did not mention that the equipment would be used in scenarios involving fire.

Civil protection concluded the equipment is not intended to provide increased protection in the event of fire response.

The "Safe Village - Safe People" programme aims to encourage collective awareness that protection is a responsibility of all, and to support local authorities in promoting safety, and implement strategies to protect areas from rural fires and raise awareness of practices that minimize the risk of fire.