For the second consecutive year, the Mijas Town Hall has launched an information campaign to prevent forest fires, which will be promoted through institutional social media channels and Mijas Comunicación.

Due to its climate and natural characteristics, Mijas faces a high risk of forest fires, especially during the summer months. In fact, the town is classified among the areas at risk of forest fires in Andalusia, as established by regional legislation (Law 5/1999 of 29 June on ‘Prevention and Fight Against Forest Fires and its Regulations’).

“The campaign presents images contrasting everyday life with the effects of fires to raise awareness of their devastating consequences. Unfortunately, Mijas has suffered fires that have caused significant damage and irreparable harm to our natural environment. Prevention remains our best tool”, explained the mayoress of Mijas, Ana Mata (PP).

For his part, the councillor for the Fire Department and Civil Protection, Francisco Jerez (Vox), stressed the importance of citizen involvement to reduce the risk of forest fires: “Every summer we face a real and very high risk. Although we have excellent professionals and response resources, the most effective measure is to prevent fires from starting in the first place. That largely depends on the residents and visitors of Mijas. One moment of carelessness or recklessness can trigger a tragedy. A moment of carelessness or recklessness can trigger a tragedy".

Jerez reminded everyone that collaboration is essential: "It's not just about following the rules, but about being aware of the environment we live in and acting responsibly. That's precisely what this campaign aims to do: appeal to everyone's conscience to protect what belongs to us all".'

The initiative is built around three key messages: 'Let only the sun shine this summer, not flames', 'Sparks of happiness, don't let them be destroyed by fire' and 'Enjoy a dazzling summer, from start to finish'. Following the same approach as last year’s campaign, its goal is to contrast everyday summer scenes with how a small careless act can lead to a fire with irreversible consequences. The campaign will be disseminated in both English and Spanish.

 

Maintenance of the mountains

In line with this prevention effort, the mayoress pointed out that this year, for the first time, the Mijas Town Hall has put out to tender the maintenance of the mountains with the aim of ensuring that the forest is kept in the best possible condition. This has been allocated a budget of €1,217,715.13 (including VAT) and will remain in force until 2029, including any corresponding extensions. The work covered by the contract includes silvicultural treatments, clearing through brush cutting, thinning and pruning (including the removal of invasive species), reforestation and the conservation, maintenance and improvement of forestry infrastructure. The scope of action will be Sierra Blanca and Bermeja, and technical criteria will always be followed when carrying out the work. In general, the work will be carried out from Monday to Friday, in eight-month campaigns, between October 1st and May 31st.

 

Express prohibitions

From June 1st to October 15th, a series of express prohibitions are established by the Junta de Andalucía to prevent fires. These are set out in the regional order of 21 May 2009, which prohibits the use of fire and the movement of motor vehicles in forest areas and their surrounding areas (including riverbanks and streams), imeaning a 400-metre wide strip around these areas.

Barbecues are therefore not permitted, not even in designated areas such as recreational or camping areas, and agricultural burning or burning of plant waste is also prohibited. In fact, as a preventive measure, all barbecues in El Esparragal Park in Mijas have been sealed off.

 

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