Barcelona firefighters start fire prevention activity two weeks earlier than usual

Firefighters in Barcelona will start the fire prevention activities two weeks earlier than usual on Saturday. Their main focus is the Collserola park, as it is particularly at risk due to conditions of low humidity and the lack of water.

To avoid wildfires this summer, firefighters are undertaking measures as early as April ahead of the full summer campaign, driving twice daily around the mountain. The goal of these works is for firefighters to familiarize themselves with the area and identify access points in the mountain and where cliffs are, as well as to be able to act as fast as possible in case a wildfire spreads.

"The city's firefighters have different fire prevention routes to know the different areas where we may have to intervene and also to detect any potential problem in the area," Clara Latorre, a brigade member, said during a press conference on Friday.

During these weeks, authorities will also be launching information campaigns in the nearby neighborhoods to inform residents on best practices and what to do in the event of a wildfire.

Firefighters will conduct a wildfire drill on May 5 to test all organizations ahead of summer after last year's successful experience, which proved necessary when preventing and coordinating fires.

If the poor dry conditions remain as they are, authorities do not rule out restricting areas or even closing the park for the celebrations of the eve of Sant Joan, as well as other times of the year with difficult conditions.

"We do not want to hide the extreme risk of fire we could end up seeing, and as we're constantly evaluating the situation, it could mean that the Collserola park may have to be closed at times," Barcelona's councilor for security Albert Batlle said.