Controlled fires in Crecente and Entrimo after devastating 500 hectares in Galicia.

The forest fire that affected the municipality of Crecente, in the province of Pontevedra, has been controlled after devastating approximately 300 hectares of land. The Consellería do Medio Rural of the Xunta de Galicia confirmed that the fire, which started on Wednesday night, was declared controlled at 6:30 PM on Friday. This incident has been marked by the confirmation that it was an arson, according to the investigation by the Forest Fire Investigation Unit (UIFO). The numbers of resources mobilized to combat this fire are significant. A total of five technicians, 40 agents, 71 brigades, and a fleet consisting of 44 fire engines, six bulldozers, nine helicopters, and five planes were deployed to tackle the flames. The rapid response of the teams has been key in preventing the fire from spreading further and causing greater damage to the region's flora and fauna. However, Crecente was not the only municipality affected during these days. In the municipality of Entrimo, in Ourense, a declared fire was also controlled after it ravaged around 200 hectares in the Baixa Limia - Serra do Xurés Natural Park. This fire started in Portugal before crossing the border into Galicia, complicating the extinguishing efforts. In this case, the Xunta mobilized six technicians, 33 agents, 63 brigades, 23 fire engines, four bulldozers, ten helicopters, and eleven planes. The fire in Entrimo, which began on Tuesday, served as a warning that the risk of forest fires has not diminished despite the authorities' efforts. In this context, collaboration between Galicia and Portugal becomes essential, as fires do not recognize borders and require a joint effort for control. On the other hand, the fire in Oímbra was extinguished after affecting nearly 27 hectares. This fire became a threat to a farm that contained fuel tanks, prompting an immediate response from the firefighting teams. The mayor, Ana Villarino, reported that both the facility and nearby homes were unharmed thanks to the rapid actions of the teams. In this case, the Xunta highlighted the work of eight agents, 18 brigades, 13 fire engines, and two bulldozers, who managed to contain the fire and protect citizens' properties. The fact that both fires in Crecente and Entrimo originated within a short period has highlighted the need to increase surveillance and prevention during high-risk fire periods. The intentionality of the fire in Crecente raises deep concern, as it suggests a pattern of behavior that could be repeated if appropriate measures are not taken. Galician authorities have reiterated the importance of citizen collaboration in fire prevention, reporting any suspicious activities that may lead to such incidents. Education on fire management and environmental protection is fundamental to ensuring the safety of forested areas. In this context, the community faces an important challenge: the preservation of its natural environment and the protection of its inhabitants against the risk of fires. Collaboration between various institutions and citizens is crucial to achieve sustainable management of forest resources and minimize the impact of the flames. The control of these fires is a relief for the inhabitants of the affected areas, but also a reminder that the fight against fire during the summer season is a constant challenge. Authorities will continue to work on improving extinguishing and prevention protocols, with the aim of safeguarding Galicia's natural wealth and the safety of its residents.