Analysts attribute the greater efficiency in responding to fires as well as a better-informed population and more equipment available as the main factors in the record-braking figures.

This year registered the least amount of land burnt ever, as well as a significant drop in incidents.

However, the positive balance may bring about a less positive discussion con cerning the system's economy, with specialists pointing there may have been superfluous means to tackle fires than actually needed.

Hermínio Botelho, professor of the Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro universities, is currently investigating this latest suggestion after being requested to carry out an evaluation of the year's response plan.

First conclusions could be issued next week.

During spring this year it was feared that 2007 would see an unusually hot summer, however the fears proved unfounded.

The Portugal News