The General Directorate of Forest Management of the Government of Aragon establishes for today, Thursday, July 16, Red Alert Level for Forest Fire Danger in a total of 24 areas of the Community: Bajo Ebro Forestal, Depression of Jalón, Gúdar, Javalambre, Jiloca-Gallocanta, Maestrazgo, Mijares, Moncayo and Aranda, Montes Universales, 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 and Turia.
Light to moderate northwesterly wind is expected in the Ebro valley, turning in the afternoon to southeast. In the Iberian System, light wind from the southwest with moderate intervals during the central hours; in the rest, light to moderate wind from the southeast.
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 authorization granted to carry out burns or cultural and recreational activities that require its 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 of 1,000 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.
