Reacción a " The Ministry of Interior has declared a state of emergency of national interest in the Community of Madrid and the province of Ávila due to three forest fires"

What is the reason for the intensity of these three fires?

“The ferocity of the fires affecting Toledo, Madrid and Ávila is due to a combination of factors, notably two consecutive years of heavy rainfall followed by a sudden halt in the rains in May and the immediate onset of summer with consistently high temperatures and low humidity. Added to this is the fact that this is the part of the Central Mountain Range with the lowest rainfall, due to the lower altitude of its highest peaks, and consequently, vegetation that is more xerophytic and prone to burning than in other areas of the Central Mountain Range.

Compounding this is a northward shift in recent years of the contra-trade winds (a dry, warm tropical wind from the south-west), which sweep across the land in elevated areas south of the temperate storm cycle and are well known in Tenerife and La Palma for causing fires in the highest pine forests. Finally, the intense pressure from the Madrid property market, combined with the quality of these landscapes, has led to a great deal of scattered development—some of which predates modern town-planning regulations—and which poses many risks and diverts resources.”

What role does the type of vegetation in these areas play?

“As I have indicated, from the line running vertically from the city of Ávila to practically El Escorial, the Central System drops by around 1,000 metres, losing much of its ability to attract rain and storms, whilst also facilitating the flow of warmer, drier air masses from the south. As a result, temperate and high-mountain species (Scots pine, Pyrenean oak, etc.) disappear, to be replaced by maritime pine and stone pine, as well as holm oak. Furthermore, the soils do not retain much water or nutrients and are quite shallow.”

This is affecting the urban-forest interface. How can homes and the surrounding environment be protected?

“A first step is to establish regional regulations aimed at preventing fires in urban-forest interface areas, tailored to each territory and its legislation. Next, local councils should be required, either individually or collectively, to have comprehensive plans in place to prevent and minimise interface fires, with financial support provided for their implementation, particularly for smaller councils with fewer financial resources. The planned activities should include training and drills with local residents, particularly regarding evacuation when required. Some autonomous communities have made significant progress in this area and could serve as models, with the necessary adaptations.”

What can be done to prevent the flames from causing so much damage?

“Implement the plans outlined and, in the case of isolated houses, check the vegetation and any lightweight wooden or plastic structures to prevent the fire from spreading to homes. Similarly, enhance the infrastructure to ensure there is always a dual exit/entry route and adequate signage.”