Ourense is facing an alarming crisis of wildfires and forest loss.

The situation of wildfires in Ourense presents an alarming picture that has drawn the attention of both experts and citizens alike. In the last decade, this province has witnessed unprecedented devastation, with 18% of its forested area destroyed. The data is compelling: Ourense has accounted for 38% of the fires recorded in Galicia and has suffered 55% of the affected area in the autonomous community. This phenomenon not only impacts the environment but also affects the economy and social cohesion of local communities. The recent start of September has highlighted this crisis. Despite a relatively calm summer, two significant fires in Entrimo and Crecente, along with other smaller outbreaks, have ravaged a total of 490 hectares in just a few days. This figure exceeds the area burned throughout the entire summer period, underscoring the severity of the situation and the necessity for a more rigorous approach to fire prevention and extinguishing efforts. The first fire, which started in the parish of Venceáns and quickly spread through the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés natural park, has been particularly destructive, consuming 223 hectares of scrubland. The spread of this fire within a protected natural area highlights the magnitude of the problem and the challenges faced by firefighting services. The second fire, while smaller, also contributed to a worrying trend that has marked the decade in the province. Data from the Galician 2024 Forest Fire Prevention and Defense Plan, better known as Pladiga, reveals that so far in this high-risk campaign, 425 hectares have burned, a figure that falls short compared to the total of 1,240 hectares lost throughout 2023. This year has been brutal for Galician forests, and although the current figure is lower than in previous years, the trend suggests that the province of Ourense remains a critical point. The Pladiga report also highlights that Ourense has lost nearly 20,000 hectares more than the combined affected areas of the other three Galician provinces over the last decade. The alarming figure of 18.24% of forested area devastated is a clear indication that the situation is not improving, and that prevention and mitigation policies need to be reevaluated and strengthened. In terms of large wildfires (GIF), which are those affecting over 500 hectares, Ourense has the highest incidence in Galicia. In the last thirty years, 172 large wildfires have been recorded, of which 88 occurred in this province. This statistic is concerning, as it indicates that more than half of the Galician GIFs have been registered in Ourense, and the trend is for these fires to become increasingly devastating. Pladiga also emphasizes the efforts of firefighting resources, which have worked along 5,798 kilometers of perimeter in the province. However, the effectiveness of these efforts is called into question by the growing voracity of the fires. A comparison between the decades from 2004 to 2013 and from 2014 to 2023 reveals a significant increase in the affected area, raising questions about the preparedness and response of firefighting agencies. The wildfire crisis in Ourense is not just an environmental issue. Local communities must face the consequences of the loss of natural resources, degradation of air quality, and the impact on biodiversity. The local economy, largely dependent on agriculture and tourism, is threatened by the devastation of the forests. The situation demands a comprehensive approach that combines more effective prevention policies, increased support for firefighting services during critical periods, and public awareness of the importance of preserving the natural environment. Collaboration among administrations, communities, and experts is essential to find solutions that can curb this crisis in Ourense and protect the Galician forest heritage. The future of Ourense’s forests and the community that depends on them is at stake. It is time to act and make decisions that ensure the preservation of this valuable resource, preventing these fires from continuing to ravage the land that has been home and sustenance for generations. The fight against fire is ultimately a fight for the survival of the identity and natural wealth of Galicia.