The Cabildo of La Gomera carries out cleaning, clearing, and forestry treatments year-round to reduce fire risk. Among the new initiatives is a three-year preventive burning plan.
The Cabildo of La Gomera has launched a preventive burning plan with a forecast for development over the next three years, as announced this Wednesday by the island president, Casimiro Curbelo. The initiative, coordinated with the Vallehermoso Town Hall, aims to reduce the accumulation of combustible material in strategic areas of the island.
Continuous Actions Throughout the Year
Prevention efforts are not limited to the months of highest risk but are carried out continuously. The Cabildo has established safety cordons in locations such as Chipude, El Cercado, Las Hayas, Igualero, and Pavón, with the goal of having these infrastructures operational before the danger season.
The island's Environment Councillor, Héctor Cabrera, explained that planning is done with a global vision of the island, prioritising urban-forest interface areas, ravines, and forest tracks. “Reducing combustible load and improving access and safety conditions are our goals,” he stated.
Simultaneously, specific burns requested by individuals have been carried out, especially in agricultural areas, with the technical and operational support of the Cabildo. These interventions are part of the island strategy for risk prevention and management.
Coordination with Other Administrations
The island institution maintains close coordination with the Island Water Council for the cleaning and clearing of cane fields and ravines. The actions have focused on Valle Gran Rey, Hermigua, and Vallehermoso, with a particular emphasis on protecting the population in the northern part of the island.
Forestry treatments and clean-ups have also been carried out on tracks and forest areas such as Las Hayas, La Quintana, and Los Aceviños. Collaboration with the Garajonay National Park has allowed actions in areas of the southern part of the protected space.
The Cabildo president, Casimiro Curbelo, emphasised that “prevention is a permanent task that is not limited to the months of highest risk but requires planning, coordination, and ongoing work on the ground.” He added that the priority is “to continue acting with foresight, especially in those areas where the accumulation of vegetation may pose an additional risk in the event of a fire.”
Impact on Residents
These measures directly benefit residents of rural and interface areas, who see the danger of a forest fire affecting their homes reduced. The clearing and cleaning work also improves accessibility for emergency services, facilitating any intervention.
Agricultural landowners can request support from the Cabildo for controlled burns, an option that has already been used this year and helps keep the forest clean. The institution reminds that these actions must always be carried out with the corresponding authorisation and supervision.
For the upcoming year, the Cabildo plans to continue with the preventive burning plan and expand the safety cordons to new areas, based on risk assessments. Residents can consult the schedule of actions on the Cabildo's website or contact the Environment Department.
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