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AI and drones step in to help stop Andalucía’s most dangerous wildfires
Andalucía launches new tech and a public website to support fire crews this summer
Andalucía is stepping up its fight against increasingly destructive wildfires, and this year technology will play a new helping hand.The Infoca Plan, the region’s long-standing fire prevention and response strategy, is now using artificial intelligence and drones as part of its effort to stay ahead of the flames. This is thanks to a wider European project called Hurricane, which aims to make it safer and easier for fire crews to get the information they need in real time, without having to go into the most dangerous areas, and putting emergency teams at unnecessary risk.
These so-called sixth-generation fires are known for being fast, fierce and very hard to control. They are often made worse by a mix of climate change, extreme heat, drought and overgrown vegetation. And although the region has just come through a dry spell, this spring saw a lot of plant growth, due to previous rain, which raises the fire risk even further as summer arrives.
Details of the new tools were shared at the Regional Advisory Committee meeting on Monday. One of the most useful changes is a new website, set to launch on Monday June 2, where members of the public will be able to check live updates about wildfires across the region. It will also show the daily fire risk for each area.
The official high-risk season runs from Sunday June 1 to Wednesday October 15. During this time, lighting fires or driving vehicles within 400 metres of forests or woodland will not be allowed.
The Infoca Plan has also been given its biggest budget yet. This year, €257 million has been set aside: €14 million more than last year. Of that, €111 million will go directly to fighting fires, while €146 million is for prevention. Around 4,700 people will be working on the plan, with access to 40 aircraft and a new emergency communications system known as REJA, which is now the most advanced in Europe.
José Fiscal, speaking for the regional government, said that giving fire crews better equipment and support was “the main asset” in the fight to protect Andalusia’s forests. Last year, just over 6,000 hectares were lost to wildfires, which equates to 34% below the ten-year average.
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