Forest Fires and climate change. A real, global and lethal phenomenon.

Author: Ferrán Dalmau

The Great Forest Fire of Llutxent burned nearly 3,300 hectares and several homes and was caused by lightning. Hence, the importance of learning to live with this uncomfortable neighbour that is a forest fire. Let’s face it. The risk has existed, exists and will exist. Therefore, one of the most immediate measures goes from being aware of this risk to being informed about, and prepared for, it. In 2018, the team from Medi XXI GSA collaborated on a Greenpeace document entitled “Protect your home, protect your forest”, whereby an in-depth study of preventive planning against forest fires on a municipal scale was undertaken. The result was devastating. More than 80% of towns in risk areas do not have a plan in the event of a fire. And this data only refers to the part concerning public responsibility. There is also a private responsibility. Your responsibility. Especially if you live in a risk area. Knowing what to do in the event of evacuation (lowering the blinds, activating the irrigation, sealing the house in an attempt to prevent the fire from entering…). Managing the plot itself on the basis that a fire may happen and seeing which elements should be pruned, removed…

Applying the technique known as pyrogardening (preventive gardening against forest fires), which can contribute to a house not burning. The summer has started strongly. Tarragona, 6,000 hectares. Ávila, more than 500 hectares. Madrid and Toledo, 2,500 hectares… and this in a single heatwave. Ultimately, it can all be summarised by assuming that we are dealing with a collective problem that has been growing inasmuch as society has been ignoring the environment, and in taking measures against fire so as to not regret it afterwards. It is necessary to redraw the lines that separate urban from forest land. Otherwise, urban land threatens forests and vice versa. It is necessary to redraw the lines that separate public and private responsibility. Otherwise, “Wildlands Urban Negligence” threatens both urban and forest land. It should be assumed that self-protection is not a right. It is an obligation. It is necessary to restore the primary sector through responsible consumption of locally-sourced agricultural and livestock products. Although “they may be more expensive” (which is not true in terms of sustainability) forest fire prevention is inherently implied in their price. And it is clearly necessary to restore Sustainable Forestry Management if we want to combat the climate change we have caused. Over the next 3 years, within the framework of the GUARDIAN project, the committee we form part of will try to do our bit to improve the situation. But let there be no mistake. The responsibility for things going better or worse on the day of the fire lies with each of you. We can keep looking the other way or assume the challenge that faces us. Assume it and act. Or do nothing and regret it afterwards. I sometimes imagine a future where making a human mistake (starting a fire with a barbecue, a circular saw, a cigarette …), or lightning striking a mountain is not necessarily synonymous with generating a potential catastrophe. It would, without doubt, be a better future.

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