The massif of the Gavarres, a large expanse of forest that occupies some 40,000 hectares between the Baix Empordà, the Selva and the Gironès, presents a high risk of forest fire. Every summer, the firemen cross their fingers that no fire is declared in an area that has a high burning potential.
The accumulation of fuel due to the progressive abandonment of primary activities in the massif, added to the density of population and infrastructure in its perimeter and the increase in leisure in this natural space, make it a target for the development of large fires.
In anticipation of this being “the worst fire campaign”, the Climate Action department is carrying out action to reduce the fuel load in “strategic areas” and make extinguishing tasks safer. Specifically, action is being taken in an area of ??75 hectares, the cost of which amounts to approximately 171,000 euros.
The new forest fire prevention plan in Les Gavarres, which the Climate Action Minister presented today during a visit to the massif, contemplates actions on 10% of the massif’s total surface. A fact that, according to the technicians, allows protecting the rest of the wooded area.
According to data from the department, the exceptional nature of the drought, one of the most intense and extensive in the last century, is leading the vegetation to a situation of “mortality and decay” never seen before. Preliminary data indicate that in the regions of Girona, which has accumulated a three-year rainfall deficit, there are more than 3,200 hectares affected.
The species most affected by the drought are grasses (1,068 hectares), cork oaks (829 hectares), shrubs (337 hectares), holm oaks (293 hectares), pines (273 hectares), among other species.
