Fires in Galicia: an environmental and judicial challenge that needs urgent attention.

The situation of wildfires in Galicia has become an alarming issue that not only affects the environment but also highlights deficiencies in the prosecution of crimes. In the past year, nearly 1,200 fires were recorded in the Galician mountains, of which an overwhelming majority, around 70%, were intentional. However, the judicial and penal response to these criminal acts leaves much to be desired: only 61 arrests, 24 trials, and barely 17 convictions. This scenario raises a series of questions about the effectiveness of the judicial system and the preventive measures being implemented. The difficulty in identifying those responsible for wildfires is one of the main obstacles in this fight. Given that many of these crimes are committed in low visibility conditions and in remote areas, the physical evidence that could incriminate the arsonists, such as containers of gasoline or accelerants, is often insufficient. Authorities face a monumental challenge: without witnesses and with scant evidence, the possibility of bringing an offender to trial is significantly reduced. This results in an extremely low case resolution rate. The report from the Superior Prosecutor's Office of Galicia reveals that, despite a decrease in the number of recorded wildfire crimes—47% fewer than the previous year—the situation remains concerning. In 2023, 101 crimes were initiated, the lowest volume in the last decade. Still, the number of crimes with known perpetrators and the resulting trials remains discouraging. In practice, even when an arsonist is identified, there are few occasions when the case makes it to trial, creating a sense of impunity among potential offenders. In terms of convictions, the outlook is equally troubling. The vast majority of sentences issued are limited to fines, which do not seem to be an effective deterrent. Only in the most serious cases, such as those resulting in loss of life, is there the possibility of prison sentences. In this context, justice appears to be failing in its purpose of protecting the environment and the community, leading to growing frustration and distrust among citizens. The report also highlights that the provinces of Ourense and A Coruña are the most affected, with a notable number of crimes compared to Lugo and Pontevedra. This underscores that certain areas of Galicia require additional attention and resources to address this crisis. Furthermore, the fact that only about thirty arsonists are brought to trial each year suggests that the problem extends beyond the actions of a few wrongdoers; it is a system in which the prevention and repression of these crimes need thorough review. The Prosecutor's Office has taken note of these difficulties and has launched an instruction aimed at improving the response to wildfires. It establishes an approach that includes the use of advanced technologies for investigations, such as drones and surveillance cameras, in order to gather more compelling evidence. However, the implementation of these measures is still in the early stages, and ongoing commitment is required for them to truly make a difference. In addition to technological measures, citizen collaboration is presented as a crucial element in eradicating this scourge. Encouraging community participation through the reporting of suspicious behavior and providing evidence is essential to building the case that can bring arsonists to justice. However, this collaboration depends on the trust citizens have that their reports will be taken seriously and that there will be real consequences for offenders. As progress is made in the fight against wildfires, it is vital that institutions maintain a proactive approach adapted to changing circumstances. The reduction in the number of fires is a positive step, but it is not enough. The true measure of success will be the ability to prevent future incidents and ensure that those who commit these crimes are held accountable. The fight against wildfires in Galicia is not just a matter of criminal justice, but also of environmental and social responsibility. The Galician forests are a heritage that must be protected not only by authorities but by the entire community. It is essential for all involved parties to work together to combat this scourge that threatens wildlife and the natural environment we all share. Without a comprehensive and collaborative approach, the battle against arsonists will continue to be an unequal struggle.