Wildfire Defences
AS wildfires continue to rage across Spain this summer, the regional government of Murcia has launched a major project to strengthen forest fire prevention and improve emergency response in Lorca, Totana, and Mazarrón. With an investment of €1.19 million funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (Feader), the project targets high-risk natural areas with significant ecological value.
Focus areas in Murcia
The initiative focuses on the higher districts of Lorca, including Avilés, Zarzadilla de Totana, and Zarcilla de Ramos, as well as several mountain ranges in Totana and Mazarrón. Plans include a new fire surveillance point in Monte 73 Sierra de Pedro Ponce and Ciller (Lorca) to detect fires early, and a containment wall in Sierra del Algarrobo (Mazarrón) to stabilise a landslide affecting a main road.
Forestry treatments and track improvements
Forestry treatments will cover 25 hectares in Los Abadíes (Lorca) and Sierra y Llano de las Cabras (Totana) to reduce fuel through thinning and pruning. Over 40 kilometres of forest tracks will also be improved with surface refinement, drainage works, concrete sections, and lay-bys to ensure safer access and manoeuvrability for fire teams.
Protecting forests and communities
Environment Minister Juan María Vázquez said the project ‘strengthens the resilience of our forests against climate change, reduces fire risk, and protects biodiversity.’ Scheduled for completion before year-end, the work aims to safeguard local communities, conserve natural habitats, and make sure forests are better prepared against the growing threat of wildfires.
A Record-Breaking Wildfire Season in Spain
The summer of 2025 has witnessed one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in Spain’s history. As of mid-August, over 343,000 hectares have been scorched, making it the worst year for wildfires since 1994 . The fires have claimed at least four lives, including a volunteer firefighter, and have led to the evacuation of numerous communities . A prolonged 16-day heatwave, recorded as the most intense on record, coupled with prolonged drought conditions, has created the perfect storm for these catastrophic fires . With climate change exacerbating these extreme weather events, the urgency for comprehensive wildfire prevention and response strategies has never been more critical.
Read more Costa Calida news, articles and events here