Spain is one of the countries with the highest number of forest fires per year. In 2024 alone, more than 19,000 hectares will have already burned. This figure highlights the importance of addressing this problem from a scientific and social perspective.
The causes of these fires are multiple, starting with the country’s hot and dry climate, which is conducive to this type of event. Added to this is a series of situational and human factors which present a complex picture. However, also There are effective strategies to prevent and mitigate them..
Causes of forest fires
There are natural factors that favor the formation of forest fires in Spain. The most important is the high temperature reached during the summer months, especially in recent years. This is usually accompanied by long periods of drought and low environmental humidity.
Under these conditions, forests eventually become highly flammable areas. All it takes is a flash of lightning to start a violent fire. However, the natural factor is not the most determining factor in the outbreak of forest fires.
Most fires in Spain are started by human factors. Some people throw cigarette butts into forest areas, carry out agricultural burning without control measures, or leave poorly extinguished campfires. There are also deliberate acts of vandalism that make these problems worse.
Types of wildfires
There are several types of forest fires. These are classified according to the depth level where they occur. They have different degrees of severity. There are three main modalities:
- Underground fires. They mainly affect the organic layer of the soil. They move slowly, making them difficult to detect and extinguish.
- Surface lights. They spread quickly thanks to the wind. They affect low vegetation and bushes, causing an immediate impact on ecosystems.
- Cutting lights. They are considered the most dangerous. They grow in the upper parts of trees, making them extremely difficult to control due to their intensity and height.
Each modality requires different management. Surface ones are controlled through the use of firewalls. Those of beverages require a more specialized approach, for example with the use of helicopters and refueling planes. Underground fires are more difficult to detect and control, even if they spread slowly. High precision technical handling is required.
Scientific solutions
The phenomenon of forest fires must be approached from a global perspective that combine prevention, sustainable forest management and rapid response in case of emergency. Since the main cause is the human factor, it is necessary to implement awareness campaigns on responsible fire behavior in forest areas.
Regarding forest management itself, it is essential carry out periodic cleaning of forests to reduce combustible materials. Likewise, establish fire breaks that limit the spread of flames. This must be complemented by strategic reforestation of more fire-resistant native species.
Today, there are technologies available that can make a difference. For example, Using drones for surveillance is invaluable for detecting fires in their early stages. This allows for a quick response. For their part, satellite monitoring systems help identify high-risk areas and plan more effective strategies.
Other actions
It’s necessary coordinate efforts between public administrations, local communities and researchers develop comprehensive forest protection and management policies. This includes training and staffing forestry brigades to improve emergency response capacity.
Wildfires affect us all and that is why we are all responsible for their prevention and mitigation. The community must be attentive to environmental regulations and fully comply with themthis is crucial to avoid carelessness and accidents. Likewise, it is appropriate for educational institutions to provide relevant training.
Predictive models
He development of predictive models based on artificial intelligence and machine learning can help anticipate wildfire behavior. These models analyze large amounts of climate and environmental data to predict where and when fires might occur, enabling better preparation and response by emergency services.
International collaboration
Since forest fires have no borders, international collaboration is essential. Spain has participated in European initiatives aimed at sharing information and resources for fire management. This includes the exchange of prevention and suppression techniques, as well as the development of common protocols for dealing with emergency situations.
Conclusion
The combination of sustainable forest management, advanced technologies and public education can make a difference in fighting fires. Although climate change presents significant challenges, implementing appropriate measures can mitigate the devastating effects of fires and protect both the environment and the communities that depend on it. Collaboration and commitment from all are necessary to ensure a safer and more sustainable future for Spain’s forests and biodiversity.
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