The Ministry of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Planning has approved the declaration of the average danger of forest fires in the nine provinces of Castilla y León from this Friday, May 13, until next Sunday, May 15, given the existing weather conditions, characterized by a very significant increase in temperatures and a great risk of a dry storm, as reported in a statement.

This measure implies, among other issues, the activation of more aerial means and more ground crews hired by the Board, which will be dedicated to preventive forestry work for immediate assistance to fires that may arise. Another consequence is the suspension of all authorizations or communications for the burning of plant remains that could have been processed.

Another of the measures adopted is the activation of more guard personnel, both environmental agents and technicians specialized in extinguishing forest fires in all provinces. In addition, in those with the highest risk (León, Zamora, Salamanca and Ávila), this increase will be “more significant”.

The Board has explained that the risk of fires has increased in recent days due to temperature anomalies suffered since the beginning of the week and forecast for the coming days. Specifically, it has indicated that up to nine degrees Celsius are expected above normal values ​​for this time in many areas of the Community. In addition, a "high probability" of a storm is observed accompanied by the absence or low probability of precipitation and very high values ​​of atmospheric instability that increase the probability of "convective fires", which cause an "erratic" behavior of the fire.

For this reason, the Junta de Castilla y León has assured that it hopes that the population will continue to exercise extreme caution in their outdoor work and leisure activities to avoid the start of a possible fire and, if it occurs, alert through the Service Emergency 1-1-2. At the same time, it has insisted that the burning of bushes or mounts without express authorization, for any purpose, is a prohibited practice that can put human lives, populations and other assets, as well as natural and cultural heritage, at serious risk. In addition, he recalled that it can constitute a crime, for which he called for responsibility and citizen collaboration to avoid them.