In 2011 the Decree 371/2010, of September 14by which the Emergency Plan for Forest Fires of Andalusia, better known as INFOCA. This Decree is what regulates the organizational structure and intervention procedures regarding the extinction of forest fires.
It also deals with the protection of people and non-forestry assets that could be affected by said fires. The aforementioned INFOCA Plan or Emergency Plan for Forest Fires was modified by Decree 160/2016, of October 4.
The importance of INFOCA
The Minister of Sustainability and Environment of the Government of Andalusia, Catalina García, has valued the work of the professionals of the Plan to Fight Forest Fires of the Autonomous Community of Andalusia (Infoca Plan) in general and those of Hornos in particular. He did so in his closing speech at the town’s ‘San Antón’ Awards gala, in which the career of the most veteran workers and those who have recently joined the operation has been recognized. Likewise, a former professional who died in the last year has been remembered.
Catalina García has pointed out that “the Infoca is one of the fundamental pillars of environmental policy and forest fire prevention in our autonomous community”, to which he added, “they, together with the Environmental Agents and the professionals of the Environment and Water Agency of Andalusia, form a true army that watches over our natural spaces.”
Thus, after congratulating the Hornos City Council for the initiative, as well as the mayor and the municipal government team for the work they have been doing in the municipality, he assured that “these professionals are the key actors in the protection of our mountains, forests and natural spacesa task that involves us all, since they not only represent unmatched environmental wealth, but also the future of our generations.”
In this way, he added that “citizen awareness campaigns and environmental education are vital to collaborate with this work carried out by Infoca professionals, explaining to our population, especially the youngest, the importance of respecting and caring for our environment”. Furthermore, he highlighted that “this is an operation that is at the forefront of research and use of advanced technology, such as drone surveillance and early detection systems, to always be one step ahead.”
In this context, the head of Sustainability and Environment of the Andalusian Government recalled that “these professionals They are part of an exceptional human team, who always demonstrate their effectiveness and that, precisely, they have just been integrated into ASEMA, the new Security and Comprehensive Emergency Management Agency of Andalusia, which constitutes the largest agency of this type in Spain, with a total of 5,000 professionals and a budget of 270 million euros”.
In this sense, he wanted Also highlight the presence of INFOCA agents in the municipalities affected by DANA in Valencia“something that has made all of us Andalusians feel especially proud, an example of bravery, dedication and honor that has been demonstrated, to help those who, unfortunately in many cases, have lost everything.”
Catalina García has stressed that “The commitment of these professionals does not end when the flames go out. Infoca has also led the recovery of affected spaces, reforesting with native species and promoting natural regeneration” and has specified that “a forest that is reborn not only recovers its biodiversity, but also its essential role in the fight against climate change.” .
The counselor has warned that “the success of this work does not depend solely on the professionals who work in the mountains or whoever is in charge at all times. It depends on everyone, on the involvement of each citizen in the preservation of our natural spacesso we cannot allow ourselves to be indifferent, since every action counts, from avoiding risky practices to reporting negligent or criminal behavior.”