Spain's forested region has expanded significantly over the past 50 years. However, the question remains, has there been a corresponding surge in investment for forest fire prevention during this period?
In the heart of Spain, a growing concern surrounds the increasing forest mass and the dwindling investment in prevention measures. The country's forest and shrubland areas have expanded from 12 million to 27 million hectares over the past 50 years, with many forests in depopulated areas accumulating large amounts of flammable material due to insufficient maintenance and prevention.
Paco Castañares, the president of the Extremadura Association of Forestry Companies, emphasizes the importance of understanding that budgets and their execution are two different things. He urges for immediate action to combat this growing problem.
Miguel Duralde, the president of the National Association of Forestry Companies (ASEMFO), shares similar concerns. He states that there is a terrifying amount of combustible material in the forests, a problem that has been building up over 50 years. Duralde stresses the need for attention to all forest masses, regardless of provincial or property limits.
Prevention, according to mountain engineers, is crucial. It encompasses any treatment, improvement, and maintenance of paths and firebreaks that affect the forests. However, the current investment in these areas is seen as insufficient, dwindling, and unrealistic.
To prevent fires, several measures are recommended. Civil Protection advises against lighting fires in the field, even in zones and periods when it is permitted, during dangerous periods, not even in the areas designated for it. Parking personal vehicles in the designated parking lot near forest areas is essential. If scrubland areas are included, the forest mass in Spain reaches up to 27 million hectares.
Camping in authorized areas and choosing the places with the least vegetation are essential safety measures. Ruth Drake emphasizes the importance of following these rules to minimise the risk of fires. She also recommends avoiding lighting barbecues near the field.
Collecting matches, cigarettes, papers, plastics, glasses, and other waste is also recommended to prevent fires. If it is necessary to burn stubble, contacting the organism of Natural Environment of the autonomous community for authorization is recommended.
The forestry associations reproach administrations and private owners for not managing the forest mass correctly. They argue that the protected areas in Spain amount to six million hectares, but silvicultural treatments such as clearings, pruning, or clearing are hardly carried out in these protected areas.
In 2022, only 1.300 million euros were allocated for prevention, which is 25% less than 13 years ago. This reduction in funding is a significant concern for those working to prevent forest fires.
As the forest mass continues to grow and funding for prevention measures dwindles, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect Spain's forests and prevent the devastating effects of forest fires.
