The very high temperatures that this Friday, August 18 have been lashing out in most of the country, they have raised The risk of fire is "very high" in almost the entire national territory, including the archipelagos. This situation has generated alarm and concern among the population and authorities, as the risk of forest fires has intensified in recent weeks due to the combination of extreme heat and drought. Only the coastal half of Galicia presents a low risk, as does almost the entire Cantabrian coast, which includes much of Asturias. Some areas of Murcia and Alicante near the coast register a more moderate risk.
The intense heat that has once again swept across the country since yesterday has placed most of the country on alert. Temperatures are expected to begin dropping starting tomorrow; however, the alerts will remain in effect for much of the country. The archipelagos, especially the Canary Islands, will remain at high risk, with the exception of some areas where the risk will be more moderate. Other areas that remain exposed include Andalusia, the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia, and Zaragoza, part of the Huesca Pyrenees, and parts of the provinces of Ávila, Cuenca, and Toledo. In Galicia, on the other hand, the risk will increase to very high, which predicts a critical weekend.
The areas most at risk
Entire provinces are at extreme risk Fires are expected to occur in much of the country. Among the provinces located in the Northern band with the highest risk are Segovia, Soria, Guadalajara, and large areas of Barcelona, Zaragoza, Burgos, Valladolid, and Ávila. In the Southern band, extreme risks exist in much of Extremadura and the province of Ciudad Real. There are also areas of Andalusia where a large part of the region is expected to maintain an extreme and very high risk level tomorrow.
Portugal, like Spain, has declared a state of public calamity due to the risk of fires. In this regard, the neighboring country has taken exhaustive measures to mitigate the impact of possible forest fires, even mobilizing the armed forces, as well as other security forces such as the police and firefighters, who must be ready to intervene in the event of any outbreak that may occur throughout the weekend. Although the warm weather may contribute to the beauty of the landscapes, it also increases the precariousness of the ecosystems where flora and fauna struggle to survive. Therefore, the prevention and planning are essential in these critical moments.
Fire statistics in Spain 2023
Throughout 2023, Spain has witnessed a notable increase in the number of forest fires, with a devastating toll of more than 89,000 hectares burned, according to data from the Ministry for Ecological Transition (Miteco). This translates to a figure of around 70% lower than that recorded in 2022, which was classified as one of the darkest years for our forests. However, even with this improvement, the impact remains severe and requires immediate attention from the relevant agencies.
The 2023 fire season started earlier than usual, with several significant fires reported in spring, especially in Asturias, where the Principality closed the year with more than 37,600 hectares burned, which represents a 86% more than the average of the last 15 years. In total, Spain recorded 19 major fires during 2023, defined as those exceeding 500 hectares of burned landThe most serious occurred in the Tenerife municipality of Candelaria in mid-August, where almost 15,000 hectares, according to official sources. The fire figures have been alarming, with a record high in the months of March and May, when the number of fires exceeded 48,000 and 11,000 hectares burnedrespectively.
Most of the major fires occurred during the first half of the year, leading to a significant increase in the overall fire risk, particularly in vulnerable regions such as southwest France and Portbou (Girona). Increasingly frequent and earlier heat waves have contributed to an increased fire risk in our country, increasingly extending the fire seasonClimate change is a crucial factor affecting these patterns, making the need to strengthen prevention efforts even more urgent. Furthermore, Lieutenant General Luis Martínez Meijide, head of the Military Emergency Unit (UME), has urged a redoubling of prevention efforts during fire campaign presentations, underscoring its importance in protecting our ecosystems.
The latest report reveals that the lack of management in the landscape is contributing to the intensity of these fires. In this sense, it is essential to promote sustainable forest management that helps reduce the fuel load in forests and minimize associated risks. Changes in land use and agricultural practices also play an important role in the increase in fires. The recovery and adaptation of these areas are crucial to mitigate the impact of future fires. Furthermore, it is vital to understand how climate change affects the drought situation in Spain and its consequences on nature, which can lead to more severe fires. To delve deeper into this topic, you can read about the drought situation in Spain.
Measures and recommendations to prevent fires
Forest fire prevention is a shared responsibility between authorities and the public. Below are some measures that can contribute to risk reduction:
- Installation of smoke detectors: It's vital that homes and public buildings be equipped with smoke detectors. This small device can save lives by alerting people to a fire before it spreads.
- Community awareness: Promoting awareness campaigns on the importance of fire prevention and response is essential.
- Vegetation control: Proper vegetation management, including the removal of combustible material, is key to reducing the risk of fire in forested areas. Measures should be taken into account in light of Spain's vulnerability to climate change, which are described in more detail.
- Training and preparation: Training citizens on how to use fire extinguishers and how to respond in the event of a fire can make a significant difference during an emergency.
It is important that the population is informed about the risks and that they remain clear communication channels between authorities and the community to alert in case of changes in the risk level. In this sense, the development of adequate prevention plans based on the projection of future fires. It is also recommended to have an evacuation plan and an emergency kit prepared for rapid response to risky situations.
The importance of implementing fire prevention plans in public spaces and natural areas cannot be underestimated. Initiatives such as clearing recreational areas, installing appropriate signage, and promoting environmental awareness and education activities are essential to ensuring the protection of our forests and natural spaces. We must also remember that forest fires will increase in the coming years, and that monitoring and prevention are key to mitigating their effects.
Climate change has led to more severe fire patterns, resulting in a longer period of risk each year. As a result, fire management must adapt to these changing challenges. Preventive recommendations and actions must be strengthened to adapt to the new climate context; furthermore, the scientific community and authorities must work together to share information and resources to effectively respond to emerging needs.
Finally, all parties involved in emergency management are called upon to develop joint strategies to improve fire resilience. This should include: continuous monitoring of forest environments, the use of advanced fire detection and response technologies, and the development of cooperation protocols between different agencies to ensure a rapid and effective response in the event of a fire.
