The misuse of agricultural machinery is behind a surprising number of events

We are in full heat wave and extreme precautions. Reminders we do not lack and one of the last ones has given the Agrarian Association Young Farmers (ASAJA), for a good reason: the danger that these days supposes The misuse of agricultural machinery.

131 fires. The use of machinery and engines, especially in the agricultural context, has been triggered 131 forest fires in Castilla y León so far this year. Are ASAJA datathat cite a letter from the General Director of Natural Heritage and Forest Politics, José Ángel Arranz, in which the increase in forest fires of agricultural origin was alerted.

This implies, Asaja points out, an increase of 37.9% compared to the average of the last five years: 95 fires. In a statement, Asaja details that these fires would have burned 750.57 agricultural hectares and 52.53 hectares of forest soil.

The Administration indicated that 17 causes of fire by harvesting had been identified, but that the investigation continues in other cases.

One third. According to data of the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Planning of the Territory of the Board of Castilla y León, this year (on July 30, the latest data we have) have occurred in the Autonomous Community 391 fires, most of them, 313, conatos (fires in which the burned surface is of a hectare or less).

This implies that around a third of the fires produced in the Castilian-Leon territory would have their origin in this type of machinery. The 17 fires caused by harvesting would represent more than 4% of the total.

A double risk. This type of fire has a double impact on the agricultural sector. First, when producing in agricultural farms, these fires disproportionately affect the field, putting at risk not only harvests and facilities, but also the workers themselves.

In second place, Asaja remembers that to the risk of fires must add the sanctions, which can take different, administrative or criminal. The fact that the event is accidental and even complying with the regulations does not exempt from civil liability derived from the fire caused.

The last alert of the Board. In this context, the Junta de Castilla y León has made a special appeal To the citizens to extreme caution. It also published a resolution of the General Directorate of Natural Heritage and Forest Politics in which certain actions are prohibited. Among them “the use of machinery that, in its usual functioning, dismisses sparks or electrical discharges such as torch, welders and radials, both in the mountain and in a strip of 400 meters of the terrain that surrounds it.”

The resolution also prohibits lighting fire in open spaces in the mountain, as well as in recreational and camping areas, “even in areas enabled for it”; also the use of barbecues located in open spaces of the mount or nearby areas; and suspend events such as fireworks, other elements of pyrotechnics, and in general, the use of fire in activities.

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Image | Asaja Castilla y León