September weather reduces fire risk in Almeria

HEAVY rain and falling temperatures have greatly reduced the risk of fire in Almeria.

The province has been on alert practically throughout the summer, with tinder-dry countryside and daytime temperatures frequently in the 30s and occasionally rising above 40 degrees.

The worst fire this summer occurred in Huercal-Overa where 18.5 hectares were destroyed in the fire which was revived by high winds, affecting a further 27.4 hectares of scrub, pinewoods and young pines.

Despite early suspicions that the fire was deliberately set, it was traced to sparks from a strimmer used by Endesa subcontractors clearing undergrowth near high-tension cables.

The Junta de Andalucia’s Infoca fire-prevention and extinction service will remain active until October 15 although operatives will be gradually assigned to other tasks by the end of this month.

“There is less risk of fire during the autumn, winter and spring months when Infoca employees clear and maintain woodland,” Infoca sources said. “But fire-extinction experts still keep watch and are ready to take action in any emergency”.