Piornal requests a surveillance tower at Pico Espolón to prevent fires.

The Piornal City Council has taken the initiative to request a new watchtower at Pico Espolón, a strategic location that would significantly enhance surveillance coverage in the Valle del Jerte and La Vera. This measure arises in a context where prevention and response to forest fires are crucial, especially after the recent fire in Pasarón de la Vera raised alarms about the effectiveness of the current surveillance system. The mayor of Piornal, Javier Prieto, has expressed his firm commitment to the Extremadura Forest Fire Fighting Plan (Infoex). In July, he formally submitted the request to the Forest Fire Prevention and Extinction Service of the Junta de Extremadura, emphasizing the importance of having a surveillance post that covers areas currently at a disadvantage. The tower at Pico Espolón, at an altitude of 1,471 meters, would serve as a key observation point, facilitating the detection of fire outbreaks across a wide and diverse territory. The proposal not only addresses an urgent need but is also based on technical recommendations that deem the installation of this new watchtower viable. According to reports, the strategic location of the tower would allow for complete visibility of areas that have so far remained in the shadow of existing towers in the Ambroz-Jerte-Tiétar coordination zone. This translates into significantly shorter response times and a more agile capacity to respond to potential fires. The importance of surveillance in these forest areas cannot be underestimated. Fires have proven to be a constant threat, not only to the environment but also to the safety of local communities and the region's economy. With climate change and prolonged drought, the risk of fires becomes even more critical, highlighting the need to implement technologies and strategies that allow for appropriate management of these risks. The installation of the new watchtower could also have a positive impact on the perception of safety among the residents of Valle del Jerte and La Vera. The peace of mind that comes from knowing there is a robust and effective surveillance system can be a determining factor for those living in these areas. Additionally, it could encourage more responsible practices in managing the natural environment, knowing that there are more active control mechanisms in place. The request from the Piornal City Council is now in the hands of the Junta de Extremadura, which will need to evaluate the proposal and determine when and how the installation of the tower will take place. The response to this request is being closely watched, as citizens and local authorities understand that time is a crucial factor in fire prevention. The sooner this surveillance is implemented, the greater the protection that will be provided to these valuable natural areas. Support for this initiative also reflects a broader commitment from the regional government to strengthen fire response capabilities. At a time when environmental protection has become a central issue on the political agenda, such measures are seen as a positive step toward sustainability and the conservation of natural resources. In conclusion, Piornal's request for a new watchtower at Pico Espolón is a testament to local and regional commitment in the face of the threat of forest fires. With the backing of experts and public attention, this proposal is expected not only to be well received but also to materialize in the near future. The safety of the forests and the tranquility of the communities depend on decisions like this, which aim for a safer and more protected environment.