After three months of uninterrupted forest surveillance to keep the entire municipality of Poble Nou de Benitatxell safe from fire, the local Civil Protection group closed last Tuesday, October 15, the summer campaign with an excellent balance.
Thanks to the financial support of the Generalitat's Previfoc campaign, with 6.724,74 euros, in total, since the July 26 began with their work, the 21 volunteers that make up the collective have dedicated 824 hours to this work, more than double that in 2018, which were performed 342 hours. Likewise, volunteers have traveled 5.245 km by car during their patrol, compared to last summer's 2.128.
Surveillance has been carried out with two morning and afternoon shifts formed by two or more volunteers. The main point of lookout has been the Puig de la Llorença, although they have also supervised from different viewpoints of the town or Tossal Gros.
In addition, from the group they have highlighted the good relationship with the volunteers of neighboring municipalities, with the
They have been in continuous contact.
With regard to the interventions, it is worth mentioning the important role they played, together with the Local Police, during the days that DANA lasted, with cleaning of scuppers, the preparation of fences for the cutting of flood roads and small actions that they were triggered by the storm and floods, such as the access cut to the top of the Puig de la Llorença due to the risk of a thunderstorm or the closure of the Cala Moraig due to strong waves and the risk of landslides.
Other notable incidents attended to are the review of the hydrant network, three health services with the Local Police, five vehicle assistance, an intervention with the firefighters due to landslides, two lost animals found and referred to the police, a workshop with the boys and girls of CEIP Santa María Magdalena, a fire in a counter and an outbreak of fire in the Girasoles area of the top of the sun.
In the latter case, the rapid Civil Protection intervention was key so that the flames did not spread and caused major damage. The causes of the fire were the embers of a barbecue badly extinguished. In this sense, from the local group they affect the prohibition of throwing embers in containers and green spaces, and they call for civics and precaution, especially on high-risk days.
The Councilor for Public Safety, María José Ivars, has highlighted the great work carried out by volunteers year after year. “Selfless dedication, taking hours away from your private life to keep our municipality safe, is priceless. There they are whenever they are needed for any type of emergency ”, said the councilor, who has emphasized the quick response they always offer.
