'Foc Off': Catalonia launches drought and forest fire awareness campaigns
Government issues call to reduce water consumption "at all levels"
fires
The 84-year-old Girona shepherd ploughing fields to stop fires spreading
Eugeni Darnaculleta urges better forest management from local administration amid spate of summer wildfires
Forest fires still a threat 20 years after Central Catalonia burnt
On the anniversary of the 1998 fire that destroyed 24,000 hectares, experts warn that the risk remains high
Catalonia on alert for high forest fire risks due to African heat wave
It is expected that the heat wave will last from Thursday to Saturday and that temperatures will climb to at least 34ºC throughout Catalonia. The Catalan Government has closed eight forest areas of high risk and has limited agricultural activity. Civil Protection is on ‘pre-alert’ in 27 counties and firefighters have began pre-emptive surveillance of areas that will be at risk. In other developments, the Catalan Police have found DNA on the cigarette butt which started the fires in Portbou.
Firefighters from Catalonia will train their counterparts in Ireland, France and Wales
Firefighters from Catalonia will be sharing their knowledge and experience of different types of fire. Catalan firefighters have experience with various kinds of fire because of Catalonia’s geographic diversity. The organisers of the bespoke courses designed for the varied conditions in Ireland, France and Wales, have stated that the accumulated experience “should not just remain in Catalonia but be taught internationally”.
Forest fires have burned 90% less surface than last summer
Summer of 2010 will be one of the best in terms of surface burned by fires. Forest fires only burned 351 hectares thanks to great efforts in prevention and extinction. Catalonia has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers. This year’s wet and snowy winter could have been fatal.
Catalonia prepares for a difficult summer as risk of forest fires rises
The March snowfall and a rainy spring have brought high-risk to forests throughout Catalonia. Both rural and metropolitan citizens are taking extra steps to prevent summer forest fires.
Joan Saura presents fire-fighting resources to halt summer brush fires
Catalan Home Affairs Minister calls for cooperation on all sides as fears rise of forest wreckage from March snowfalls
President Montilla warns of danger of brush fires this summer
In a day focused on environmental acts, Catalan President asked forest defence associations to be on their guard this summer. Montilla also inaugurated a cycling park that links four important towns in Baix Llobregat, next to Barcelona.