Fire prevention and protection for Jávea
Unique plan to boost safety
THE long-awaited and unique local plan for fire prevention across Jávea has been unanimously approved by the town hall - helping to protect a community that suffered two major disasters in recent years.
Widespread damage was caused by major forest fires in 2014 and 2016; affecting the north and south of the Marina Alta town two years apart; small armies of firefighters were needed on both occasions to bring flames under control.
In an ‘exhaustive’ process unique in the Valencia region, the town began drawing up contingency plans in 2017 to plan to help prevent future disasters.
The plan put forward a series of improvements designed to ‘reduce the risk of forest fires or minimise their consequences’ and they are scheduled to be introduced over the next 15 years.
The research covered all the diverse characteristics of Javea. The municipality covers 68 square kilometres, more than a third is forest and homes are scattered across the area; many of them lying on the interface of wooded and urban areas and home to two thirds of a population which triples in size during the high season.
The report investigated the fire risk to 35 Javea urbanisations; it also analysed areas that were more vulnerable such as recreational spaces, viewing points along the coast; green areas; campsites; and waste recycling points.
It also encompassed areas of special interest, including the natural parks of the Montgo mountain and Granadella, which are classified as being of special community interest, and enjoy protection because of their wildlife and fauna.
Strategy
The strategy adopted by the local authority includes ‘economically viable’ moves in forestry and agriculture; the installation of firebreaks and woodland tracks; plans at a sector level; and the training of residents.
Some recommendations were immediately adopted, such as portable water sprinkler systems for protecting properties threatened by fire, training for residents, and specialised plans for popular coves along the coast, such as Granadella and Portixoll.
The infrastructure for fire fighting was also examined, including the network of fire hydrants, water tanks, firewalls, watch towers, and the equipment available to teams of volunteer firefighters.
Councillor for emergencies and citizen safety Pepa Gisbert thanked the emergency services - including the volunteer teams - and the team who drafted the plan for their input.
She said the involvement of residents in the ‘interface areas’ between homes and the countryside was an ‘important effort’ in drafting the fire prevention plan as it made them ‘aware of the protocols to follow in case of fire’.
The plans will be implemented over a 15-year period and are subject to review as the town evolves.