Wildfires in Castellón: the risk increases due to drought and land abandonment.

In a year marked by extreme weather conditions and alarming water scarcity, wildfires have taken on a new dimension of danger in the province of Castellón. Fernando Pérez Huecas, head of the forestry section of the Castellón Fire Consortium, warns about the increasing aggressiveness of fires, a phenomenon that is not only attributable to natural factors but also to human activity and a lack of land maintenance. The extreme drought has left vegetation in a state of water stress, increasing the risk of ignition and spread of fires. Between January 1 and July 15 of this year, the Consortium has recorded 50 wildfires that have devastated 140.42 hectares. In comparison, last year during the same period, there were 56 wildfires that ravaged 3,394.5 hectares, most of which can be attributed to a single large fire in Villanueva de Viver. This disparity in the burned area highlights the severity of the problem, emphasizing that large wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent. Pérez Huecas emphasizes that the current situation is delicate: “The provincial forest is in a very delicate state. We have a high volume of fuel ready to burn, and many agricultural lands have been abandoned.” These factors, combined with the drought, create a perfect breeding ground for the spread of fires. The Consortium's preparedness and response capacity has intensified, with 750 personnel and 200 vehicles available, in addition to five aerial resources. However, the question remains: are they sufficient to face such a complicated summer? The Consortium's representative assures that, although they are sized to respond to the needs of the territory, a proactive approach is essential. This summer, reinforcements have been implemented to ensure a quick and decisive response to any eventuality. Still, the most immediate danger lies in the high volume of available fuel, combined with adverse weather conditions that could trigger large fires. Among the causes of wildfires, human intervention stands out as the primary factor. Negligence in everyday activities such as agricultural burns, barbecues, or the use of fireworks continues to pose a significant risk. While natural phenomena like lightning also contribute, the majority of fires are caused by human error. In 2023, there were 37 fires caused by lightning, but most fires remain attributable to a lack of precautions. Arsonists, although a factor to consider, are not the main concern at present. Law enforcement is responsible for investigating these cases, while the Fire Consortium focuses on extinguishing the fires. The priority is always to save lives and protect the natural environment, regardless of the fire's origin. Pérez Huecas stresses that, despite having one of the best firefighting systems in the world, it is crucial to adapt to the new realities imposed by climate change and land abandonment. The fuel load has increased, necessitating a renewed focus on mitigation. Awareness about prevention is vital, and despite campaigns and prohibitions, the risk persists. Managing a large wildfire presents a complex emergency. Coordinating various human and technical resources is one of the greatest challenges, and the response must be quick and effective. The experience accumulated over the years is invaluable, but constant adaptation to changing environmental conditions and the increased risk of fires is what will truly make a difference in the fight against this devastating phenomenon. In summary, the challenge faced by firefighters and authorities is monumental. As drought and land abandonment become the norm, society as a whole must take responsibility for caring for and protecting the environment. Collaboration between institutions, citizen awareness, and the implementation of preventive measures will be key to mitigating the impact of wildfires in the future.