Last year, wildfires forced more than 28,150 people to evacuate their homes, making 2023 the third year with the highest number of preventative evacuations on record. There were a total of 19 major fires, affecting 89,000 hectares of land. The government has once again moved up the national campaign against wildfires due to prolonged drought and high temperatures, with the prediction that this summer will be warmer in the Mediterranean and the two archipelagos. The state operation is ready to assist the Autonomous Communities, who are responsible for fire prevention and suppression. The campaign is expected to continue until October 15, but the date is subject to change.
The response to large wildfires involves various specialists, including experts from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), biodiversity experts, forest risk technicians, law enforcement, Red Cross, and firefighters. The government’s role in these emergencies is to support the Autonomous Communities by providing resources such as firefighting reinforcement brigades, Air Force units, and the Military Emergencies Unit. Coordination efforts involve multiple levels of government, including municipalities, affected communities, and the ministries of Interior, Ecological Transition, and Defense.
In terms of emergency levels, if a fire reaches Level 1, resources from the state can be requested. Level 2 indicates a risk to the population and allows for the activation of the Military Emergencies Unit. Level 3, the highest level, has never been requested in democratic history, as it involves the state taking control of the fire. Virginia Barcones, director of Civil Protection and Emergencies, highlights the importance of coordination and ensuring an effective response to wildfires. She recalls her experiences with wildfires during her time as a government delegate in Castilla y León, emphasizing the need for a well-prepared and coordinated approach.
The impact of wildfires is particularly significant in areas like Levante, from Catalonia to the south, where extreme drought conditions have increased the risk of fires spreading rapidly. Even though the number of wildfires has decreased in 2023 compared to previous years, vigilance must be maintained due to the dry conditions. Emphasis is placed on preventing small fires from escalating into major incidents, as evidenced by the two largest wildfires in 2023 that accounted for a quarter of the total affected area. Greater precaution is needed to prevent wildfires from becoming uncontrollable.
Experts warn that wildfires can occur outside of the traditional fire season, as seen in the case of the Pinofranqueado fire in May. The Aemet’s climate predictions indicate above-average temperatures and longer heatwaves, increasing the likelihood of large wildfires. Despite advancements in early warning systems and public awareness campaigns, preparedness and vigilance remain crucial in preventing and managing wildfires. Collaboration between government agencies, emergency services, and the public is essential in effectively responding to evolving wildfire threats.
