Ourense positions itself as a European model in the fight against wildfires.

Ourense has established itself as one of the best-prepared provinces in Europe in the fight against wildfires. Historically, this Galician territory has been one of the most affected by this scourge, accumulating over 102,000 hectares burned in the last decade—a figure that surpasses the total of the other three Galician provinces. However, in the face of this devastation, the Xunta de Galicia has intensified efforts to make Ourense a model for management and response to forest emergencies. The role of the Ministry of Rural Affairs has been crucial in providing resources and creating a monitoring and response system for fires. Currently, the Provincial Coordination Center, located in the provincial capital, operates a complex network of 12 fixed surveillance points and 68 cameras that allow real-time monitoring of the situation. This system not only facilitates the early detection of fire outbreaks but also enables tracking their evolution, leading to quicker and more effective decisions in fire extinguishing efforts. In this regard, significant improvements have been made to the operational units, such as those in Petín and Castro Caldelas, and new facilities are being built in Bande and Muíños. These enhancements are designed to optimize the response capacity to fires, which is essential in a province with a history of devastating wildfires. The Integral Center for Fire Fighting in Toén has become a benchmark in the training of wildland firefighters, attracting over a thousand students in the past year. This focus on training not only enhances the preparedness of local personnel but also positions Ourense as a model for national and international teams involved in fire intervention training. A key aspect in the fight against fire in Ourense is the air bases. With the recent inauguration of the Verín-Oímbra air base, the province has a total of nine airfields, more than any other in Galicia. These facilities are essential for deploying helicopters and light aircraft in firefighting efforts, allowing for a quick and effective response to any incident. Additionally, there are 345 water points for helicopters and 1,180 for light aircraft, along with a total of 1,075 firebreaks, creating a vital safety and control network to mitigate the effects of wildfires. This infrastructure is what, in many cases, can make the difference between a contained fire and a large-scale disaster. At the heart of this strategy is the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigade (BRIF) of Laza, an elite team with over two decades of experience in firefighting. Its personnel are composed of experts who are the first responders to emergencies in the Verín-Oímbra district, an area considered to be at high risk. Although their primary focus is Galicia, the BRIF has also collaborated in emergencies in other regions and internationally, demonstrating their capability and commitment. The results of these efforts are encouraging. In 2023, Ourense reported a decrease in the number of hectares burned, totaling 1,240, the second-lowest figure in the last decade. These statistics suggest that investment in resources and training is beginning to pay off, although the path to eradicating wildfires is long and requires ongoing commitment. As the firefighting campaigns progress, the situation in Ourense presents a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The combination of monitoring, training, infrastructure, and rapid response can be key to minimizing the damage caused by wildfires. With a proactive approach and adequate resources, Ourense is taking firm steps toward a safer future in fire management.