A new era in the fight against wildfires
The Government of the Generalitat of Catalonia has presented an innovative strategy to combat wildfires, based on the creation of 14 containment axes. This initiative aims to establish specific areas between the main mountain ranges of the region, where significant efforts will be concentrated to prevent the fire from spreading.
The new axes cover more than 200,000 hectares, although immediate actions will focus on approximately 34,000 hectares. The Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, and the Minister of Agriculture, Òscar Ordeig, have emphasized that this strategy is part of a long-term approach that will be implemented gradually. So far, actions have already begun to be executed in five priority axes: Igualada-Martorell-Santa Coloma de Cervelló; Perafita-Manresa; Girona-Celrà; Argentona-La Roca; and Rasquera-Perelló.
The new strategy also includes strengthening the Special Group for Wildfire Prevention (GEPIF) and the Forest Defence Groups (ADF), which will receive doubled resources for their maintenance. The plan has a minimum estimated budget of 36.8 million euros, aimed at improving the territory's preparedness for climate change and megafires.
The proposed measures include three distinct levels of intervention. The first consists of protective strips around inhabited areas and urban developments, with a current goal of covering 75% of the territory, aiming to reach 100%. The second level encompasses priority perimeters that have not been sufficiently consolidated since their creation over a decade ago. There are a total of 34 delineated perimeters, with two new projects approved before the summer: Gavarres and Montmell-Pontons-Mediona.
As climatic conditions have changed drastically in recent years, so has the very nature of fire. In 2003, only 0.2% of the fires exceeded the operational capacity of the Catalan fire brigade; however, this figure has risen to 11% in 2023. This alarming increase has led to a redefinition of fire strategies through collaboration with the Forest Action Group (GRAFO).
It is not only about preventing fires; there is also a clear focus on agricultural recovery and promoting extensive livestock farming as complementary methods to create natural firebreaks. These initiatives aim not only to protect the environment but also to revitalise rural areas affected by years without significant agricultural activity.
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