Valencian government closes seventeen Natural Parks due to risk of fire
The Valencian government has declared a pre-emergency level three of the Special Plan against the Risk of Forest Fires (PEIF) throughout the territory of the Valencian Community, from today (Thursday) to Tuesday (August 15th), and have subsequently closed 17 national parks as a precautionary measure.
The Ministers for the Environment, Water, Infrastructures and Territory, Elisa Nuñez and Salomé Pradas, held a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) to assess the measures that will be applied in response to this new wave of extreme temperatures in the region.
Both departments agreed to establish a series of prohibitions and restrictions on forest land, especially in natural parks. This ‘declaration of coordinated pre-emergency’ is established in view of the forecast of the arrival of a mass of warm air which will lead to a significant rise in temperatures.
With the lack of rain, the rise in tourist numbers, and many fiestas and events taking place, steps had to be taken to prevent fires.
Mandatory measures:
The declaration of the pre-emergency level three means that a series of extraordinary obligatory measures come into force, that must be complied with.
1 Suspension of certain works on forest land and its surroundings.
2 Suspension of the recreational use of fire for festive reasons on forest land and in forestal areas.
3 General ban on lighting any type of fire on forest land and in forestal areas.
4 Suspension of any type of authorisation granted for sporting activities on forest land.
In addition, due to the extraordinary weather conditions, the following additional restrictions are also established:
1 Prohibition of driving on forest tracks and paths with any type of vehicle, bicycle, or on foot, within the natural parks mentioned below, except for authorised vehicles for management, supply, maintenance, surveillance, access to residences, farms, or service facilities located within the same park.
2 Prohibition of any sporting event that takes place on forest land, and suspension of those already authorised for the indicated period.
3 The camping areas managed by the Valencian government, and the hostels, camps and campsites located on forest land, may not carry out sports and/or recreational activities outside their own facilities.
The parks that are closed are:
Serra d’Irta,
Penyagolosa,
Desert de les Palmes,
Tinença de Benifassà,
Serra d’Espadà,
Serra Calderona,
Chera-Sot de Chera,
Puebla de San Miguel,
Túria,
Hoces del Cabriel,
Serra de Mariola,
Font Roja,
El Montgó,
Serra Gelada,
Prat de Cabanes-Torreblanca,
Marjal Pego-Oliva
and the forest area of the natural park of l’Albufera.
