The General Directorate of Forest Management of the Government of Aragón has established for this Wednesday, July 15, the red alert level for the danger of forest fires in 23 areas of the Community.
The alert affects different areas including: Bajo Ebro Forestal, Jalón Depression, Gúdar, Javalambre, Jiloca-Gallocanta, Maestrazgo, Mijares, Moncayo and Aranda, Muela de Alcubierre, Muela de Valmadrid, Muela de Zuera, Western Pyrenees, Eastern Pyrenees, Central Pre-Pyrenees, Western Pre-Pyrenees, Eastern Pre-Pyrenees, Puertos de Beceite, Rodeno, Central Iberian Sierras, Western Somontano, Eastern Somontano, South Somontano, Turia and Agricultural Ebro Valley.
Only some areas of the eastern Pyrenees and the southwest of the province of Teruel maintain the orange level. Throughout the day there could be high-intensity fires in much of the Aragonese territory. Wind and topography will be the main factors of propagation, although it is not ruled out that convective behaviours may be recorded on a one-off basis.
WHAT NOT TO DO WITH RED ALERT
The activation of the red level implies the prohibition of lighting fires in open spaces and the temporary suspension of any authorisation granted to carry out burnings or cultural and recreational activities that require their use. It is also not allowed to light fires in recreational areas, rest areas of the road network or camping spaces, even if they are enabled to do so. In addition, the introduction and use of pyrotechnic material in forest environments is prohibited, as well as throwing or abandoning burning objects.
Authorisations to hold sports events and public events in forest environments are also suspended, unless the corresponding resolution expressly contemplates the necessary conditions to carry out the activity during a red alert episode.
Likewise, in the mountains and in areas located less than 400 meters from them, equipment or machinery that may produce deflagrations, sparks or electric shocks may not be used. This prohibition provides for some exceptions. Beekeepers may use smokers outside the range between 12:00 and 18:00, provided that they meet the conditions established in Order AGM/681/2023.
Cereal harvesting and packaging work may also be carried out. However, when these works are carried out less than 400 metres from a continuous area of wooded or shrubby forest of more than 100 hectares, they must be carried out outside the hours between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
In these cases, it will be necessary to take the appropriate precautionary measures and ensure the availability of at least one water pumping equipment with a minimum capacity of1,000 litres or a tractor equipped with a harrow-type tillage implement or similar that allows rapid action in the event of a fire.
The regulations also allow the use of agricultural machinery for mowing or harvesting green fodder crops, as well as carrying out the usual maintenance tasks of the crops. Urgent actions may also be carried out to restore basic services, provided that the conditions set out in the regional regulations are respected.
