The Council declares a state of alert due to the risk of forest fires

The Board declares a state of alert due to the risk of forest fires The Board of Castilla y León has declared a state of alert due to an increased meteorological risk of forest fires that will be in effect from this Thursday, July 18, until Saturday, the 20th in the region. This decision is due to the arrival of a mass of warm air at higher altitudes that will cause a significant increase in temperatures, both maximum and minimum, significantly raising the risk of fires in forested areas. It is important to highlight that this is the first alert declaration during a period of high danger in 2024, reflecting the serious risk the region faces in terms of forest fires. In response to this situation, preventive measures have been established to avoid forest fires, and extraordinary organizational measures have been adopted within the Infocal operation to address this increased fire hazard. According to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), a special warning for adverse weather phenomena due to a heatwave has been issued for the days 18, 19, and 20 of July in Castilla y León. It is forecasted that a mass of warm air at higher altitudes will enter on the 18th and 19th, withdrawing on the 20th, generally leading to increased atmospheric instability and worsening conditions of vegetation fuel moisture. Meteorological forecasts also indicate the presence of winds with gusts exceeding 40 kilometers per hour on the 19th and 20th. This, combined with the temperature increase, will significantly raise the likelihood of ignition and the fire's spread capacity in case of a forest fire. Given this special situation, the Board of Castilla y León deems it essential to regulate activities with a higher probability of igniting fires in the natural environment and makes a special appeal to the public to exercise extreme caution. It is crucial to avoid any activity that could trigger a forest fire, such as discarding cigarette butts, making fires in unauthorized areas, or leaving trash in wooded areas. The risk of forest fires is a constant threat during high-temperature seasons, and it is everyone's responsibility to contribute to prevention and control. Citizen collaboration is crucial in these circumstances, as a slight oversight can have devastating consequences for the natural environment and the lives of people living in affected areas. In this sense, it is vital to follow the authorities' instructions and respect established rules to prevent fires. Awareness and individual responsibility are key to avoiding tragedies and protecting our natural heritage. In conclusion, the declaration of a state of alert due to the risk of forest fires in Castilla y León serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and coordinated action in dangerous situations. It is everyone's responsibility to contribute to the protection of our forests and natural ecosystems, and only through the collaboration and commitment of each individual can we address this threat and preserve our environment for future generations.