Galicia activates the Galician Sentinel Operation to prevent forest fires.

On August 15, Galicia will activate a new edition of the Galician Sentinel Operation, an initiative aimed at preventing the devastating wildfires that annually plague the region. The military deployment, which will last until September 30, will involve around one hundred volunteer soldiers from the Brilat of Pontevedra and the Northern Tercio of Ferrol, who will be responsible for patrolling a vast area of 4,414 square kilometers of forest, covering 39 Galician municipalities. Commander Álvaro Palacios, head of operations for Brilat, explained that thirty patrols consisting of two soldiers each will be activated daily, highlighting the scale and importance of this operation. Additionally, Palacios emphasized the strong reception these missions have among soldiers, noting that most participants are Galician, which adds a component of local commitment and roots to the initiative. "It is a very rewarding mission," he stated, reflecting the spirit of service that prevails among the military. One of the most significant aspects of this operation is the use of advanced technology for early fire detection. Among the available resources is an unmanned aerial vehicle, a Raven model, which can operate both day and night. This drone has the capability to emit real-time video signals, which will assist firefighting brigades in identifying hotspots and planning their response. "Our fundamental goal is to prevent wildfires from occurring," emphasized Palacios, underscoring the deterrent and early warning mission carried out by the military. The Minister of Rural Affairs, María José Gómez, participated in the presentation of this operation, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration between different administrations and society in the fight against fire. "The fight against fire is a matter for everyone, for all administrations and also for society as a whole," she stressed, reaffirming the need for a joint effort to address this issue that affects the Galician community. Gómez also expressed her confidence that the presence of military personnel on the ground will not only help prevent fires but also minimize the consequences of those that do occur. This proactive approach adds to the numerous strategies that have been implemented in Galicia to tackle the wildfire crisis, which has had a devastating impact on the region's biodiversity and economy. The Deputy Government Representative in Pontevedra, Abel Losada, also referred to the importance of interinstitutional collaboration, announcing that this summer there will be nearly 4,000 personnel from the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the Civil Guard, the Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigade (BRIF) of Laza, and other security and emergency bodies. This deployment aims to strengthen the capacities for prevention and response to incidents that threaten Galician safety and the environment. Furthermore, Losada confirmed that this contingent will include a significant number of aircraft, including planes, helicopters, and light aircraft. This aerial reinforcement will be key to ensuring a quick and effective response to any fire outbreaks, thereby improving the intervention capacity of ground teams. The Galician Sentinel Operation is presented as a comprehensive effort that involves not only the armed forces but also various administrations and the citizenry as a whole. Raising awareness about the importance of protecting Galician forests and woodlands is vital, especially in a climatic context that favors the occurrence of fires. With the activation of this operation, Galician authorities hope not only to prevent the occurrence of fires but also to strengthen the culture of prevention and collaboration among different sectors of society. The fight against wildfires is a topic that transcends politics and administration, becoming a shared challenge that requires the commitment and coordinated action of all. As the start date of the operation approaches, anticipation grows among the Galician population, who trust that these measures will contribute to protecting their natural environment and resources, vital for the identity and economy of the region.