Toledo (EFE).- The Governing Council of Castilla-La Mancha has agreed to adopt exceptional measures in the prevention of forest fires and starting Thursday it will prohibit or limit lighting fires in recreational areas and the use of pyrotechnic material.
The Minister of Sustainable Development, José Luis Escudero, has appeared at a press conference after the meeting of the Governing Council, where he has given an account of the exceptional measures that are adopted due to the risk of forest fires.
As of this very Thursday, April 20, 1,000 members of the forest fire prevention and extinction plan (Plan Infocam) and 108 land and air resources will be ready to act.
In this way, personnel from prevention tasks will be transferred to extinction based on the potential spread index (PPI) of forest fires.
The counselor defends that in a context of exceptional meteorological conditions, exceptional measures are taken
In addition to this reinforcement of the means of extinction, temporary measures have been agreed to limit the use of fire, explained the counselor, who added that people “are sensible and responsible” and will understand that “in a context of exceptional weather, exceptional measures are adopted” for the safety of all.
Thus, based on the daily IPP and from this Thursday, in those municipalities where the potential spread rate is high, very high or extreme, it will be prohibited to light fires in recreational, rest and camping areas, the use of pyrotechnic material will also be prohibited. and throwing objects that favor combustion or materials that could cause a fire.
As an exception, it is established that in the celebration of local festivities, when the IPP is high, very high or extreme, the Ministry must be informed of its celebration and have a self-protection plan.
Conversations with agrarian organizations to take measures that minimize the risk of fires
Regarding the activities of the agricultural and forestry sector, the counselor explained that they are in talks with the agricultural organizations of Castilla-La Mancha to establish measures aimed at minimizing the risks of forest fires.
“It is not a question of prohibiting for fun,” said Escudero, who recalled that the limitations on the use of agricultural machinery are measures that are normally adopted from June 1.
But this year, due to the weather conditions of high temperatures and lack of rain, they are trying to reach a consensus to advance its application from May 1.
“Almost certainly next week we will make them known”, has advanced the counselor, who has requested, and thanked in advance, the “sincere effort” of the agricultural and forestry sector to minimize the risks of forest fires.