Reinforcement Brigades in Fires: Prevention and Training to Protect Ecosystems

The Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF) play a crucial role in the prevention and combat of wildfires, not only during the fire season but also in the months leading up to it, where their efforts focus on fuel reduction. During this phase, the BRIF, divided into two fundamental groups, engage in preventive tasks aimed at minimizing the risk of devastating fires in the summer months. The first of these groups is the Preventive Work Brigade (BLP), which focuses on activities such as pruning, clearing, logging, and cleaning defense lines. On the other hand, the Integral Forest Fire Prevention Teams (EPRIF) work on raising awareness and educating the rural population about the causes of fires, in addition to carrying out technical maneuvers such as prescribed burns. The day-to-day operations of the BRIF in Prado de los Esquiladores, for example, include a series of meticulously planned actions. During a recent day, we accompanied the brigadistas on a prescribed burn under tree cover, where the goal was to "vaccinate" the ecosystem against potential fires. Rafael Pardo, one of the brigade members, explains that before starting the burn, they conduct a small test on a triangular plot of land to observe how the fire affects different types of vegetation and how it behaves based on the weather conditions and the topography of the area. Alberto Rodríguez, a technician from the BRIF, details that controlled burning allows for the management of large areas of land with a small team. Although sometimes the cost of the burn may exceed that of using machinery, it generally proves more efficient in terms of labor and resources. Rodrigo Álvarez, coordinator of the Preventive Work Brigades, emphasizes that these techniques allow for the recovery of pastures, the thinning of dense forest areas, and the opening of defense lines that will be crucial during the fire season. The controlled burns carried out by the BRIF are not mere practices but experiments supervised by researchers from INIA-CSIC. This national center, recognized in the field of agri-food and forestry science and technology, is responsible for analyzing the effects of these burns on the ecosystem, ensuring that they are beneficial and compatible with the established prevention objectives. Javier Madrigal, the research coordinator at INIA-CSIC, points out that the burns aim to adapt to the characteristics of the local ecosystem, ensuring their effectiveness as a preventive tool. For the past decade, research has shown that controlled burns have positive short-term effects and are compatible with most ecosystems. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of these practices in a context of rural abandonment, where agricultural and livestock activities are becoming increasingly infrequent. The work of the BRIF is not limited to fire prevention. It also becomes a space for training for the brigadistas and other forest firefighting teams. During the off-season, training hours multiply, allowing brigadistas to hone their skills in the use of tools and fire control techniques. This preparation is essential, as in emergency situations, time is a limited resource, and the effectiveness of their response is directly related to their level of prior training. Thus, each workday becomes an opportunity to learn and experiment in a controlled environment, which is vital for improving the speed and agility of the team when facing a real fire. The more training hours accumulated, the greater the reaction capacity and effectiveness in extinguishing efforts. In conclusion, the work of the BRIF represents an essential pillar in the strategy for preventing wildfires in Spain. Their comprehensive approach, which combines the technique of prescribed burns with scientific research and ongoing training, not only protects forests and ecosystems but also contributes to the preservation of the rural environment and the sustainability of agricultural and livestock activities. In a world where climate change and rural abandonment are increasingly present realities, the work of these brigades becomes more relevant than ever.