Catalonia experiences one of the best wildfire seasons in 15 years

Catalonia is experiencing one of the summers with fewer wildfires in recent years.

According to rural agents, nearly 500 hectares burned throughout the territory between June and August.

This is the lowest number since 2020, when as a result of the pandemic, only 90 hectares burned.

Going back further, only two other summers in the last 15 years recorded better figures than this year.

In 2013, 389 hectares burned, and in 20187, only 126.

The most notable forest fire this year was in Ciutadilla, in the western region of Lleida, at the end of July, which burned 273 hectares and forced the closure of two towns for four hours.

In total, of the nearly 500 hectares burned this season, 55% were in non-forest areas, such as agricultural or urban areas, and the rest were in forests.

June rains and society's role crucial

The head of the Rural Agents in Barcelona, Jaume Torralba, said that despite expecting a "difficult" year, it has been " very positive."

The good season is mainly due to the June rains, which alleviated the severe drought that Catalonia is still experiencing.

Torralba also highlighted the "crucial" role of rural agents and society, as he said many citizens are organizing to "care for and protect" the forests.

Nearly 800 of Catalonia's 947 municipalities have Forest Defense Committees to take care of the forests.