The Government of Castilla-La Mancha has arrested three suspects in Toledo presented its approach to integrated forest fire prevention and response to the Commission for Natural Resources of the European Committee of the Regions. The Regional Minister for Sustainable Development, Mercedes Gómez, stressed that the strategy was based on prevention, building landscape resilience and close public involvement. She presented Infocam, the regional forest fire service, which the government sees as a national and international model.
Gómez referred to the exceptional strain of this year’s fire season: according to the government, around 41,000 hectares have been affected in 1,306 incidents this year, including around 1,100 fires at the initial stage and 206 fires affecting more than one hectare. She cited the fire at La Mierla in the province of Guadalajara. The regional government says this demonstrates the need to strengthen preventive measures on a permanent basis and ensure readiness throughout the year.
On funding, Castilla-La Mancha proposed exploring a voluntary market for credits, with the proceeds to be channelled specifically into preventive work such as forest management, firebreaks, reforestation and training. The minister said private funding could complement public programmes without changing the existing responsibilities of the regions. According to the regional government, such a scheme could boost rural economies while also supporting climate adaptation.
Gómez also highlighted operational coordination: in major incidents, Infocam works with state forces, including the Unidad Militar de Emergencias, and with neighbouring regions. The government points to preventive work in particularly vulnerable areas and this year’s increase in the service’s personnel and equipment. In response to opposition criticism of resources and tactics, it cited the extreme weather conditions and documented preventive measures.
According to the regional government, the appearance in Toledo also provided an opportunity to exchange experience with European partners. Discussions focused in particular on ways to systematically incorporate prevention into spatial planning, forestry and municipal planning. Castilla-La Mancha is promoting its model as one element of a broader European response to increasingly frequent major fires—with priority given to reducing risks before they lead to emergency operations.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).