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Forest fire surveillance network activated in the Region of Murcia
The strategic monitoring system is ready to detect early signs of smoke as fire risk season begins
The Region of Murcia has once again activated its fixed surveillance network to prevent forest fires, coinciding with the start of the medium fire danger season this April, as outlined by the Infomur Plan. From 20 carefully selected high points across the region, early detection of smoke will be possible, significantly reducing the risk of forest fires escalating.
These fixed surveillance points, located in strategic elevated areas, work alongside the Environmental Agents to ensure almost total coverage of the Region’s forests. This extensive monitoring network, known as Malla ECO, plays a vital role in the early detection of smoke, particularly during dry storms when lightning strikes can ignite fires that might smoulder unnoticed for days.
Each surveillance point is staffed daily by three trained professionals, qualified in forest fire surveillance and extinction operations, as well as occupational risk prevention, cartography and communications. Their local knowledge and technical expertise are essential not only in spotting fires early but also in guiding firefighting teams to affected areas, verifying reports of smoke, and providing valuable information to help manage fire extinguishing operations.
Related story: Wildfire hotspots detected in Corvera and Gea y Truyols
Monitoring staff are in permanent contact with the Environmental Agents and the Emergency Coordination Centre, ensuring a swift and coordinated response whenever a fire is detected.
Regional secretary for Energy, Sustainability and Climate Action, María Cruz Ferreira, highlighted the importance of the Malla ECO system: “Monitoring from the Malla ECO is very effective for detecting false alarms, avoiding unnecessary mobilisation of firefighting teams, and ensuring a quick, appropriate response to real emergencies.”
The surveillance period is split into two categories: April, May and October are considered medium fire danger months, while the period from June to September represents the high danger season when fire risks are even more severe.
Just this weekend, the Forest Fire Defence Unit (UDIF) was sent out to extinguish a forest fire in Albudeite. On Saturday April 26 at 7.11pm, emergency services received several calls to 112 reporting a column of black smoke between Campos del Río and Albudeite.A helicopter from the Directorate General for Public Safety and Emergencies, forestry brigades with environmental agents from the Directorate General for Natural Heritage and Climate Action (UDIF) and firefighters from the Fire and Rescue Consortium were dispatched to the scene. Thankfully, exactly one hour later, at 8.11pm, the fire brigade reported that the fire had been stabilised.
Continued investment in forest protection
Over the past year, the Regional Ministry for the Environment, Universities, Research and the Mar Menor has invested more than 500,000 euros in improving the Region’s fire surveillance infrastructure for 2024/25. These improvements include upgrades to the fixed surveillance posts at La Pila in Fortuna and La Castellana in Lorca, both of which are operational for this year’s campaign.
Further projects have been developed to enhance the surveillance post in Pliego, alongside improvements to lightning protection systems and upgrades to forest roads leading to surveillance points. Solar energy installations have also been incorporated, supporting Murcia’s commitment to sustainable environmental management.
At the start of this year’s fire season, a full review and maintenance of all surveillance equipment and installations were carried out to ensure maximum efficiency.
María Cruz Ferreira concluded, “The Directorate General for Natural Heritage and Climate Action will continue to strengthen the infrastructure and functionality of our forest fire fighting centres and surveillance posts, reinforcing our commitment to protecting Murcia’s natural heritage and recreational spaces.”
Image 1: CARM
Image 2: 112RM Medioambiente
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