PROPERTY SEARCH
Woodland clearing programme reduces Murcia forest fire destruction by more than 80 per cent
At this time in 2022, 271.87 hectares of land had been burned up, but this year the burned area is 42.12 hectares
The area affected by forest fires in the Region of Murcia so far this year has been reduced by 84.5% compared to last year.
According to stats from Murcia’s Ministry of the Environment, Mar Menor, Universities and Research, a total of 103 fire ‘incidents’ have been registered so far in 2023, of which 91 are near misses and 12 are actual fires, such as the fire in Mazarrón’s Cala Leño this week. Combined, they have burned up 42.12 hectares, whereas in the same period of 2022, there were a total of 62 accidents, 55 near misses and seven fires, which represents 33% percent fewer accidents that, on the other hand, affected a larger area, 271.87 hectares.
Murcia’s General Director of the Natural Environment, María Cruz Ferreira, said, “This is due in large part to the joint effort to preserve and protect the natural heritage of the Region of Murcia. The Community reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the natural environment by intensifying prevention and surveillance efforts throughout the territory and implementing numerous measures to prevent forest fires.”
In 2022, the Region of Murcia and Spain as a whole faced the worst year on record in terms of the area burnt up by forest fires. Now, thanks to techniques such as forest management and a greater diversity of plant species, Murcia forestry brigades claim they have been able to “improve the resilience of the mountains.”
The combination of adverse climate conditions, with very high temperatures and long periods of drought, means that wildfires are a continuing threat. Italy, Greece and other parts of Spain have all been the scene of destructive wildfires recently, including a fearsome blaze currently tearing through Tenerife. These fires are forcing authorities to take increased control measures and strengthen their fire prevention plans, a strategy that seems to be paying dividends in Murcia.
Image: CARM
See more environmental news about Spain:
OR
Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin to get a comprehensive email with all the week’s news for Spain, Murcia, Alicante and Andalucía.
Get a sneak peek – here are a few of our recent Subscription Bulletins:
25% Discount Special Offer subscription:
36.95€ for 48 Editor’s Weekly News Roundup bulletins!
Please CLICK THE BUTTON to subscribe.
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
