Regional Rural Affairs minister, Alfredo Súarez Canal, said yesterday evening that, according to their best estimates, a total of 77,000 hectares have been affected by forest fires in Galicia since the 4th August. Earlier in the day, EU experts calculated that 86,232 hectares were destroyed between the 31st July and the 14th August based on satellite images. Mr Canal stressed that the figures were only "provisional" at this stage, that accurate measurements of the 40 or so fires that affected more than 500 hectares would be made on the ground, but that he was confident that they were accurate with a 5% margin of error. The worst affected provinces were Pontevedra and A Coruña, where 38,500 and 28,000 hectares were affected respectively. In Ourense, 8,500 hectares were affected and a further 2,000 in Lugo.

During an interview on national RNE radio yesterday, regional president, Emilio Pérez Touriño, said that the spate of fires has caused "incalculable" environmental damage to the region. Mr Touriño also underlined that most of the fires had been started "intentionally," and that those responsible were "well aware" of the damage they had deliberately caused. 30 arrests have been made so far, but Mr Touriño was unwilling to speculate about they were part of an organised group of plotters in the absence of conclusive evidence. He also thanked the thousands of professionals and volunteers who had taken part in the fire-fighting operation for their "determination and courage" and promised a full review of fire-fighting and prevention measures in the region to assess any improvements that may be made.

Opposition claims 175,000 hectares affected by Galicia fires
By: ThinkSpain
Tuesday, August 1, 2006 

The regional government of Galicia estimates that between 60,000-65,000 hectares have been affected by the forest fires that have ravaged the region over the last ten days, considerably less than the 175,000 hectares claimed by the opposition PP party. An up to date report will be provided by the government later on today.

The PP's estimate is based on a report on the website of a company that interprets NASA satellite photos. If their estimate is correct, it would mean that 5.8% of the total surface area of the region has been affected, which would exceed the total surface area affected in Spain by forest fires during the whole of last year; an area larger than the island of Fuerteventura.

Meanwhile, the situation continues to improve as a result of a drop in wind speeds, lower temperatures and a marked decline in the activity of the arsonists thought to be responsible for the crisis. While regional president, Emilio Pérez Toruiño, said yesterday that the crisis was over, fire-fighters continue to battle to extinguish around 82 fires, all of which have been contained. Their labours are being aided by the rain that has started to fall and which is forecast to continue for at least three more days.

'End in sight' to Galicia crisis
By: ThinkSpain
Tuesday, August 15, 2006

According to Environment minister, Cristina Narbona, who is on her second visit to the region since the crisis began,  there is "a real sense of improvement" in Galicia, where only four forest fires now continue to blaze out of control. Predicting an end to the crisis within the next few days, the minister called on the public to remain vigilant as arsonists continue to start new fires, and promised central government support for financial packages to regenerate affected areas.

Of the four fires yet to be contained, three are in the province of A Coruña -Zas, Cee and Mesia- while the other is in Vilar de Barrio (Ourense).

With rain and lower temperatures forecast from today until the end of the week, and with a significant drop in wind speeds yesterday, the task of the 15,000 or so people involved in tackling the situation is being made easier, although a Rural Affairs spokesman said that this may simply be because "fewer fires are being started."

Meanwhile, regional president, Emilio Pérez Touriño announced that a cabinet meeting has been organised for the 24th August specifically to discuss the extent of the problem and approve compensation packages for the victims. 

'No proof' Galicia fires are work of organised group
By: ThinkSpain
Monday, August 14, 2006

According to sources within the regional Rural Affairs department, 54 of the 68 forest fires currently affecting Galicia were started on Sunday. The most serious of them, classified as a level 1 maximum alert, is threatening the village of Couso in the municipality of Avión (Ourense).

A Coruña continues to be the most seriously affected province with uncontrolled fires ravaging the whole of the Costa da Morte as well as threatening the town of Barbanza.

Interior minister, Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, who was visiting the region yesterday, said that "until now there is no proof" that the fires are the work of an organised group, but addded that "it is very clear" that the majority of them were started "intentionally."

His words provoked an angry response from opposition PP leader, Mariano Rajoy, who accused the government of "immorality" for encouraging a debate about "alleged plots" when, what it should be doing is "uncovering them and arresting those responsible." 

27 people have been arrested so far on charges of arson, the latest of whom were a 38 year old man from Vigo, and a 73 year old man from Ourense. Both were arrested in separate operations at 1am and 3am in Ourense's Del Pino and Inmaculada districts, respectively, after tip-offs from members of the public.

Fourth man dies as 71 fires still ravage Galicia
By: ThinkSpain
Sunday, August 13, 2006

71 forest fires blaze out  of control in Galicia while a further 93 have been contained after a difficult night during which a number of new blazes were reported in A Coruña province.

A 70 year old volunteer has died in hospital of burns sustained while fighting to protect his home, increasing the number of fire-related deaths in the region during the last ten days, to four.

Defence minister, Jose Antonio Alonso, confirmed yesterday that among the estimated 15,000 people tackling the situation, are 400 paratroopers deployed to the region to ensure security at "sensitive" installations such as nuclear power stations, airports and heavily populated areas.

24 people have been arrested so far, four of whom have been jailed. Ten others have been released on bail, one is receiving psychiatric treatment, one has been released without charge while the remainder are awaiting preliminary court hearings. Among those arrested is a 90 year old man, and a 45 year old woman, who was allegedly arrested in a forest carrying an oil lamp and a box of matches.

'Around 60,000 hectares' destroyed by Galicia fires
By: ThinkSpain
Saturday, August 12, 2006

According to experts from the WWF/Adena ecology organisation, the total surface area affected by the Galicia forest fires is nearly four times greater than during the Guadalajara fires last summer that destroyed 17,000 hectares.

WWF/Adena Forestry boss, Felix Romero, calculates that so far, the hundreds of blazes reported in Galicia over the last few days have destroyed around 60,000 hectares, causing losses of up to €700 million in environmental costs alone.

"From an ecological perspective, the majority of the land destroyed is pine or eucalyptus forest, which will have an important impact on water quality, fauna and carbon monoxide emissions," he explained.

There has been a substantial drop in the number of fires not yet brought under control to 28 with 49 others contained, but still burning.

There are now no uncontrolled fires in Pontevedra, which has been the region's worst hit province, although fire-fighters continue work to extinguish 25 that have been brought under control.

The Costa da Morte (Coast of Death) is currently the most problematic area with fires blazing out of control affecting the towns of Dumbría, Pobra do Caramiñal, Cee, Negreira and Camariñas.

In fact, the entire A Coruña province remains on level 2 alert as only 17 of the 40 fires affecting the province have so far been contained.

Meanwhile, there also been a significant improvement in Ourense, where 7 of the fires affecting the province have now been contained.

Galicia crisis worsens as more than 100 fires blaze out of control
By: ThinkSpain
Friday, August 11, 2006

The situation in Galicia is getting worse instead of better. It is estimated that a total of 169 forest fires, more than a hundred of which are out of control, continue to ravage the region's verdant hillsides. The provinces of Pontevedra and A Coruña continue to be the worst affected and both remain on level 2 alert, although there were dramatic scenes outside Ourense overnight, but it is reported that a fire that was threatening several villages on the outskirts of the city has now been contained. Deputy mayor, José Luis Rodríguez, explained that the blaze was eventually brought under control at around 2am, just 40-60 metres from the edge of a built-up area. The photo shows two residents from the village of Velladoli trying to ward off the flames threatening their homes near the Vilar das Trés district of the city, with buckets of water

Meanwhile, president Zapatero has returned to Lanzarote to resume his holidays after flying over the affected areas yesterday to see the extent of the devastation from the air. He was accompanied by Environment minister, Cristina Narbona and regional president, Emilio Pérez Toruiño.

Speaking in Madrid yesterday, Interior minister Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba, said that the battle against the forest fire crisis in Galicia does not just consist in bringing them under control, but is also against the gang of "soulless" individuals responsible for starting them, adding that there is evidence to suggest that an organised group may be responsible. Mr Rubalcaba will visit the region tomorrow.

Eighteen suspected arsonists have been arrested so far, one of whom has been confirmed as a 32 year old fire-fighter from Cabana de Bergantiños (A Coruña), who is accused of starting three fires on the 25th July. The latest arrest was made in Pontevedra late last night, but no further details have been released.  A total of five arrests were made yesterday; two in A Coruña, and three in Pontevedra.

Zapatero interrupts holidays to 'assume responsibilities'
By: ThinkSpain
Thursday, August 10, 2006

President Zapatero interrupted his month-long family holiday on Lanzarote to assess for himself the situation in Galicia, where around a hundred forest fires continue to blaze out of control. Mr Zapatero was roundly booed by a hostile crowd outside the Forest Fire Coordination Centre in Santiago de Compostela that was his first port of call.

Announcing a compensation package for those affected by the blazes, Mr Zapatero explained that he had decided to visit to region "to assume responsibility" for the "serious challenge" ahead. "The government wants to make itself jointly responsible with the regional government and ensure that all necessary resources are available," he declared, adding that State Security Forces will be working with the police and Guardia Civil to stop "those allegedly responsible." It was also announced that a emergency coordination centre is being set up to optimise the deployment of troops that have been drafted in to help tackle the situation.

Environment minister, Cristina Narbona, who arrived in the region yesterday, confirmed that hydroplanes provided by the French and Italian governments would become available during Wednesday to join 50 others that are supporting the efforts of around 6,500 land based fire-fighters. Strong winds and hot sunny conditions continue to fan the fires, and the minister confirmed that the whole of Spain is currently on maximum alert, especially Galicia, the Ebro valley, the Balearic Islands, Cataluña and southern Andalucía.

The Spanish Interior ministry made an official plea for help from other EU members yesterday, according to European Commission spokesman, Michael Mann, who confirmed that 3 hydroplanes, 5 helicopters and 20 fire engines have been requested.

The latest available figures suggest that a record 158 fires, 93 of which are out of control, are currently affecting the region. The most serious are those threatening Ames, Padrón and Cée in the province of A Coruña, Meira (Lugo), Melón and Coles (Ourense), and Oia and Pontecaldes (Pontevedra).

A second man (36) was jailed yesterday charged with starting a fire last Monday that destroyed 7 hectares near the town of A Baña (A Coruña). This follows the jailing of a man from Santiago on Tuesday. Also yesterday, a 41 year old man was arrested for allegedly starting at least three fires near his home town of Boiro (A Coruña). Police informers are being offered guaranteed anonymity and rewards for turning in alleged arsonists.

Worringly, the problem seems to spreading southeast to Castilla León, where 19 fires have been reported over the last 24 hours. 

Two more arrests as 67 fires blaze out of control
By: ThinkSpain
Wednesday, August 9, 2006

As the Galicia crisis enters its sixth day, at least 67 of the roughly 110 forest fires affecting Galicia have not yet been brought under control. According to latest estimates, around 10,000 hectares have been affected so far.

The Defence ministry has confirmed that more than 1,200 troops will de deployed today to help fire-fighters and the Guardia Civil in the two provinces most badly affected: Pontevedra and A Coruña.

The regional governments of Madrid, Castilla La Mancha, Castilla León, Extremadura, Asturias, Aragón, the Balearic Islands, Valencia and Navarra have sent men and materials to support the Galician government, which has also requested help from Portugal.

Environment minister, Cristina Narbona, is visiting the region this morning, where she will hold a meeting with regional president, Emilio Pérez Touriño, before visiting the Fire Coordination Centre in Santiago de Compostela.

Following the three arrests on Monday, two other suspected arsonists were arrested yesterday in Santiago de Compostela and Lalín, according to regional government spokesman, Manuel Ameijeiras.

The photo shows a youngster escaping from his family's chalet in Amoeiro (Ourense) after a sudden change in wind direction threatened the villages of Torre de Rouzós, Reguengo and Quintás.

The regional weather forecast for today is for more hot, sunny, breezy conditions, that will exacerbate the already difficult task facing fire-fighters.

Three suspected arsonists arrested in Galicia
By: ThinkSpain
Tuesday, August 8, 2006

A 24 year old man arrested yesterday for allegedly starting the fire that continues to blaze out of control in Cerdedo and which claimed the lives of two motorists on Friday as well as an elderly fire-fighting volunteer in Campo Lameiro on Sunday, was released without charge after a preliminary court hearing.

Meanwhile, a 36 year old man from the village of Suevos, near A Baña, who was reportedly seen by a number of eye-witnesses leaving the area where a number of fires started, remains in custody awaiting cross examination by a local judge.

A third man, about whom, apart from the fact he is from Vigo, no further information is currently available, was caught 'red-handed' by a group of locals as he was starting a fire on the hill overlooking the towns of Pazos de Borbén and Soutomaior, was initially handed over to a forest ranger, who took him to the Guardia Civil station, where he was taken into custody. There are unconfirmed rumours that the arrested man used to work as a fire-fighter.

The situation remains critical with around sixty fires, mainly affecting the east and southeast of the region, still blazing out of control. Seven have been classified as level 1 maximum alert, and two others as level 2. Around forty others have been contained or extinguished. It seems that there is evidence to suggest that the "vast majority" of the fires that have affected the region this weekend were started deliberately, according to regional Rural Affairs director, Alfredo Suárez Canal. 

Elderly volunteer dies fighting Galicia blaze
By: ThinkSpain
Monday, August 7, 2006

49 of the 91 forest fires that have affected Galicia this weekend have not yet been brought under control, and army reserves have been called up to help tackle three level 2 blazes affecting the province of Pontevedra: Lérez, Cotobade and Soutomaior.

No updates have been given by the Rural Affairs department this morning, but the situation last night was that the five level 1 blazes -Cotobade, Redondela and Pazos de Bordem in the province of Pontevedra and Muros and Ames in A Coruña- continue to threaten populated areas.

The body of a 74 year old volunteer who died fighting a level 1 blaze in Campo Lameiro (Pontevedra) was found last night. He is the third person to be killed after two women died in a car after getting trapped near the town of Cerdedo last Friday.

48 forest fires continue to affect Galicia, 22 out of control
By: ThinkSpain
Sunday, August 6, 2006

According to the regional Rural Affairs department, 48 fires are currently affecting the region, 22 of which have not yet been brought under control. Three of them -Muros (A Coruña), Cerdedo and Vilaboba (Pontevedra)- have been classified as level one maximum alert. 26 others, 23 of which are in the province of Pontevedra, have been contained.

The latest of the level one blazes -in Muros- was first reported at 6.25am this morning and has forced the evacuation of a residential estate.

The province of Pontevedra continues to be the worst hit, with 11 uncontrolled fires affecting the towns of Cerdedo, Arbo, A Cañiza, Covelo, As Neves, Fornelos de Montes, Campolameiro, Meis, Poio, Vilaboa and Sanxenxo.

The fact that 27 of the 48 fires affecting the region started at night is further evidence that they may have been started deliberately, according to a Rural Affairs department spokesman.

Meanwhile, in the northeast of the country, more than five hundred people have been evacuated in Ventalló (Girona) after a fire that started last night, and which has now destroyed 1,270 hectares, began to threaten their homes.

According to the regional fire service the blaze has now been stabilised and is being brought under control. 55 fire engines and 11 hydroplanes and helicopters have been deployed to tackle the situation.

Two killed in one of 31 forest fires affecting Galicia
By: ThinkSpain
Saturday, August 5, 2006

All four of the 31 forest fires affecting the region of Galicia classified as level one maximum alert are in the province of Pontevedra: Cerdedo, Lalín, Cangas do Morrazo and Moaña. Two women were killed as their car became surrounded as they were trying to escape from the blaze in Cerdedo. It is thought that they had stopped the car to watch the fire.

It has been confirmed that the blaze affecting Burgallido had no fewer than eight separate points of origin, which "clearly shows that it was started deliberately," according to general director of Montes, Alberte Blanco, who visited the area soon after 4.32pm when the blaze was classified as level one owing to the proximity to populated areas. Some residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure although they have now started to return to their homes, according to Ames mayor, Carlos Fernández.

16 of the 31 fires are in the province of Pontevedra, 7 are in Lugo, five in La Coruña, and three in Ourense. Nine other blazes -four in Pontevedra, three in La Coruña, and one in Lugo and Ourense- have now been extinguished.

Given the elevated number of incidents, Montes general director, Alberte Blanco, concludes that there are clear signs of "criminality" and warned that the region is facing a "public order problem." "I call on the people of Galicia to organise themselves by parish, and to not lower their guard, this is a very clear public order problem," he said.