Toledo (EFE).- The work to extinguish the forest fire that broke out on Tuesday in the Alto Tajo (Guadalajara) is advancing thanks to the drop in temperatures and the rain last night. The fire was controlled on Wednesday afternoon, although three land media and ten troops remain active in the area.
The Minister for Sustainable Development, José Luis Escudero, said at a press conference that the “forcefulness” and speed with which the troops acted made it possible for the fire to stabilize and control in a short time.
The fire broke out at 3:35 p.m. on Tuesday in Ocentejo (Guadalajara), in the Alto Tajo Natural Park, and was considered controlled at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
A little more than 200 hectares of pine forests have been affected, according to the counselor, who has indicated that during the night five means and 23 foresters have been in the place.
As a whole, 250 professionals and 31 media have worked, including 16 fire trucks.
“You have to be sensible”
Escudero explained that the regional government was “foresighted”, since it brought forward to March 15 the mobilization of the first troops of the Infocam Plan.
Traditionally, the extinction campaign began on June 1, but “you have to be sensible” and take into account that the weather and drought conditions have made it possible for a fire to be declared on April 11 more similar to those in June or July.
Regarding the causes of the fire, everything points to negligence, an “involuntary neglect”, for which he has called for extreme measures when going out into the natural environment.
Escudero has said that the Governing Council next week will approve measures aimed at restricting the use of fire (barbecues).
Measures agreed with agricultural organizations will also be adopted to minimize fire risks.
The Minister thanked the Government of Spain for its collaboration in the Alto Tajo fire and stated that the Valencian Community and Aragon also offered means of help on the same Tuesday.
201 places in Geacam of the replacement rates of 2021 and 2022
On the other hand, Escudero has referred to the collective agreement of the public company Geacam, which includes “substantial improvements” in labor and creates the category of forest firefighters.
He has said that the replacement rate for the years 2021 and 2022 has been approved, for a total of 201 positions: 160 for forest firefighters, 22 for office and central services personnel, and 19 for technical assistance personnel.
These 201 places are added to the 109 that came out in 2021, giving a total of more than 300 consolidated places this legislature, he said. EFE