The Junta de Andalucía has taken an extraordinary decision due to the particular climatic circumstances of this spring and as part of its forest fire prevention strategy. The Minister of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue and Administrative Simplification, Antonio Sanz, has signed an order extending the temporary suspension of all types of agricultural burning until 15 October, the end of the period of high danger of forest fires, set by the INFOCA Plan.
Councillor Antonio Sanz called on the public to take extreme precautions given the weather conditions that Andalusia is experiencing this spring and which will continue over the next few days”. He also stressed that the region has been in a period of medium danger since 11 April.
Thus, in Andalusia, the burning of scrubland, pasture and waste from forestry and phytosanitary treatments and other forestry work is prohibited, as is the burning of stubble or waste from agricultural work carried out in the Forest Influence Zone (those within 400 metres of forest areas), and the administrative authorisations in force for this purpose are suspended.
Also suspended are authorisations and notifications for burning and suspension of the use of fire in recreational and camping areas prepared for its use and the use of fire for the preparation of food or any other purpose, including rest areas on the road network, and recreational and camping areas, even if they are prepared for this purpose. However, with the prior authorisation of the Government Delegation of the Junta de Andalucía, the activities listed in Article 2 of the Order of 21 May 2009, which establishes limitations on uses and activities in forest land and areas of forest influence, may be carried out.
The Order will enter into force immediately after its publication in the BOJA and will remain in force until 15 October. This measure is based on Decree 247/2001 of 13 November 2001, which approves the Regulation on Prevention and Fight against Forest Fires, in order to suspend burning. Once this period of validity has elapsed, those responsible at the regional ministry will take a decision based on technical criteria.
Balance of fires
According to provisional statistics, between 1 January and 8 May this year, Infoca carried out 207 interventions in forest lands, exceeding last year’s figures for the same period, with 145 actions and the average for the last 10 years, which is 125.6 actions. The area burnt was 440.40 hectares, compared to 251.59 hectares in the same period last year.
