The Special Forest Fire Prevention Groups (GEPIF) have already begun territorial control tasks in Terra Alta and Ribera d’Ebre. This measure was taken in response to record temperatures, which have placed much of the area at high and very high risk of fires.
The primary concern for the service managers lies in the large amount of dry vegetation fuel accumulated, especially after a rainy winter. The rapid drying of vegetation due to rising temperatures creates ideal conditions for fire spread.
“"The fine fuel has dried out and there is a lot of it due to the rains in recent months, which can cause fires to advance very rapidly."
GEPIF teams have already reported a fire in Bot and are monitoring compliance with restrictions under Plan Alfa, activated due to the high level 3 forest fire danger. Surveillance is conducted from strategic points such as the Coll del Moro in Gandesa, and is intensified during the central hours of the day, with special attention to authorized agricultural burns.
In addition to detecting fires, the presence of agents serves a deterrent purpose, informing the public about current restrictions to prevent negligent behavior.
The Department of Agriculture plans to reinforce the summer deployment in Catalonia with 95 personnel and ten operational bases, including five additional staff at the bases in Terra Alta and Ribera d’Ebre (Arnes and Benifallet). This increase in resources aims to improve response capacity for what is expected to be a demanding season.
The Generalitat urges extreme caution given the high risk of forest fires.
