Extreme wildfire risk sees Murcia close forests and tighten restrictions

Emergency restrictions will remain in place until the weekend, with access to some forest areas closed and limits imposed on machinery, vehicles and any activities that could spark a fire

With another couple of days of extreme heat on the way, the Region of Murcia is introducing a series of emergency measures to help prevent wildfires.

The Regional Ministry of Environment, Industry, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor has approved a package of temporary restrictions that come into force on Tuesday July 21, and will stay in place until 7:00am on Sunday July 26, as the risk of forest fires reaches extreme levels.

Vehicles and machinery restricted in forest areas

One of the biggest changes is a ban on vehicles and motorised machinery using roads and tracks that pass through forest areas. This will help to reduce the risk of fire during the current period of extreme temperatures.

The restrictions mainly affect machinery that produces heat or that creates sparks. This includes angle grinders, welding equipment, disc brush cutters and wood chippers, both in forest areas and within 200 metres of them.

Any other authorised work involving machinery in or near woodland will only be allowed between 6:00am and 1:00pm, and only if the safety conditions set out by the regional government are followed.

Not everything has been brought to a halt. A small number of activities are exempt from the restrictions.
Boilers used to extract aromatic plants and beekeeping work can continue between 5:00am and 1:00pm.

Road maintenance and repair work is also permitted, provided it does not involve any of the machinery covered by the ban.

Thursday expected to bring the highest fire risk

According to the regional government, Thursday July 23, is expected to be the most dangerous day of the week. Because of this, the use of all machinery covered by the temporary measures will be suspended for the entire day in the affected areas.
The decision follows forecasts of particularly difficult weather conditions, with temperatures expected to push the wildfire risk even higher.

The temporary measures also affect recreational activities and local celebrations.

Lighting fires in picnic and recreational areas has been banned, while fireworks cannot be set off within 400 metres of forest land. The only exception is low-level ground-based fireworks that rise no higher than two metres.

Motor racing events or competitions that pass through forest areas, whether on public or private land, have also been suspended because of the extra fire risk created by both the vehicles and the large crowds they attract.

Forest access closed and patrols stepped up

Environmental officers will carry out extra patrols in protected natural areas, forests and publicly owned woodland to make sure the restrictions are being followed.

They will also close access to protected forest areas and publicly owned woodland from Tuesday July 21, until 7:00am on Monday, July 27.

Meanwhile, crews from the Forest Fire Defence Unit, which forms part of the Infomur emergency plan, will remain on standby so they can respond quickly if a fire breaks out.

The regional government is also asking everyone to take extra care over the coming days by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and by following the advice of emergency services and environmental officers.

People are also being reminded not to throw away cigarette ends, matches, or any other burning materials, to be careful how glass is disposed of and to call 112 immediately if they see smoke, flames or anything that could be the start of a forest fire.

Read also:  A hundred firefighters bring Mazarrón Weekend wildfire under control

Image 1:Consejería de Medio Ambiente,Industria, Univ.Investigación y Mar Menor
Image 2 + 3: 112 Murcia