The Department of Residents of Poble Nou de Benitatxell, by Dirk Rheindorf, informs homeowners in the urban-forest interface of the existing risk as well as actions that should be taken into account
to avoid fires and their consequences.
Also, the council of residents will help the owners of these houses to process applications to Conselleria to clear, trim trees and isolate the house of forest to protect against fire. The request will be processed from the council by appointment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of 10: 00 to 14: 00 calling 606831607.
As indicated by the council, "the plans for prevention of forest fires in force in the Valencian Community transfer the responsibility of passive protection against forest fires to the owners of urbanizations and isolated houses located in the mountains or on the edge of rural populations in contact with forest vegetation ".
According to these plans, the responsibility for the execution and maintenance of a defense area or zone of discontinuity corresponds to the owner or owners of the houses or urban land.
In the absence of these plans, the Generalitat Valenciana has published good practice manuals where general recommendations are made such as separating the house from the forest area by clearing at least 30 meters wide around the house, ensuring that there are no trees ten meters from the house, keep the trees pruned to a height of 2 / 3 and separated from each other four meters and a minimum of three meters of any constructive element.
The councilor of the area has indicated that "The owner can create a much safer and more protected house against fire and collaborate in fire prevention". Also, the mayor has added that "It should be almost an obligation for everyone to take these measures and we are going to inform and help them from our resident service department" has pointed.
Another of the advice given is that it is important that flammable materials do not accumulate and that they avoid both hedgerows or hurdle fences and the accumulation of dead needles in the garden. Fireplaces and barbecues must have spark arrester devices and not be used on days of maximum risk.
