Summer 2023 in Spain: fewer fires, but greater risks in urban areas.

The summer of 2023 in Spain has been a unique period in the fight against wildfires. Despite a 35% decrease in the number of fires compared to the average of the last decade, the impact of large wildfires (GIFs) remains a cause for concern, as the number has remained constant at 16. This phenomenon reveals a complex interplay of factors ranging from weather conditions to social awareness. One of the most notable incidents of this season occurred in La Estrella, Toledo, where a fire, sparked by an accident involving a vehicle, ravaged 2,300 hectares in just five days. This fire was not only one of the largest of the summer but also underscores how wildfires continue to endanger nearby communities, a risk that has been increasing. The fire in Andújar, Jaén, which burned 3,600 hectares, became the most devastating of the season, highlighting the threat that GIFs pose in inhabited areas. The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (Miteco) has provided data showing a general decrease in fires, with a total of 4,742 incidents reported so far this year. However, the paradox lies in the fact that while there are fewer fires, large fires continue to be a constant issue. Elena Hernández from Miteco points out that public awareness, following the devastating summer of 2022, has been crucial in reducing incidents. "Evacuations and fires near homes have left a mark on the collective consciousness," she reflects. Weather conditions have also favored this trend. An unusually wet and cool June, combined with fewer heatwaves, has reduced the risk of fires. This year, the precipitation map was favorable across much of the country, although some regions, particularly in the east and southeast, experienced droughts that could have worsened the situation. "Despite expectations, the climatic conditions worked in our favor," Hernández adds. From the organization WWF, Lourdes Fernández emphasizes that the decrease in the total number of fires must be understood in the context of increasing severity. "Even though there are fewer fires, the same number of GIFs indicates that fires are becoming more aggressive and dangerous," she states. This change in pattern is directly related to the abandonment of rural areas and the lack of proper landscape management. In this regard, 80% of wildfires in Spain are caused by human activity, either intentionally or through negligence. The population has begun to realize the risks posed by wildfires, especially during critical times like summer. Educational campaigns and restrictions on activities prone to starting fires have contributed to this improvement in the data, but the problem persists. One of the main concerns is that fires are beginning to affect urban areas. This transformation in fire patterns, which now includes populated areas, means that firefighting services must prioritize the protection of lives and property, often at the expense of the forest. In La Estrella, the firefighting efforts involved a significant mobilization of resources, where protecting homes was the top priority. Marcos Gómez, spokesperson for the Association of BRIF Workers, emphasizes that current fires are affecting inhabited areas more than large forested areas. "The problem is that as grass grows unchecked, fires spread quickly, turning what should be a forest fire into a threat to entire communities," he explains. This trend is exacerbated by the homogeneity of the landscape, which facilitates the rapid spread of fire. WWF advocates for a preventive strategy that promotes more heterogeneous landscapes, which can slow the spread of fires. The loss of land uses that used to diversify the landscape has increased the vulnerability of forested areas. "Recovering those uses is essential to make our landscapes safer," concludes the organization. In summary, although the summer of 2023 has shown a decrease in the total number of fires and the area burned, the challenge posed by large wildfires persists. The lessons learned from previous seasons and the need for more effective land management are more relevant than ever. Authorities and civil society must work together to create resilient landscapes that are aware of the risks posed by fires, because, as Elena Hernández warns, "fires are not going to stop existing; what we need to do is prepare ourselves better to face them."