# Galicia Bolsters Forest Fire Recovery and Prevention Efforts with Over €1 Million in aid
Galicia is intensifying its response to the devastating forest fires that swept through the region, with over €1 million in aid allocated for recovery and prevention, and plans for a significant increase in investment by 2026. The municipality of Monterrei, notably hard-hit with 15 cores affected, is at the forefront of these efforts, focusing on debris removal, home rehabilitation, and ecological restoration.
Immediate Relief and Reconstruction Underway
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On Wednesday, Manuel Pardo, the territorial delegate of the Xunta, visited A Caridade alongside Mayor José Luis Suárez and Medio Rural director José Antonio Armada to assess the progress of cleanup operations in damaged homes. workers are currently focused on demolishing collapsed roofs, removing unsafe interior partitions, and clearing burnt chestnut beams, enabling residents to begin rebuilding as quickly as possible. “The priority is to get people back into safe and habitable homes,” a senior official stated. Alongside private residences, affected municipal infrastructure is also undergoing complete cleaning and environmental restoration.
The City Council has secured over €225,000 through an agreement with the Ministry of the Presidency, Justice and sports to fund these immediate actions.To date,seven grants totaling over €600,000 have been awarded to homeowners in the region,with six recipients in Monterrei and one in Cualedro. Pardo highlighted that total regional contributions to affected areas – including Cualedro, Laza, Oímbra, Riós, Vilardevós, and Monterrei – have surpassed €1 million.
Did you know?-Chestnut trees are a vital part of Galicia’s landscape and economy, and their preservation is a key component of the recovery efforts following the fires.
Regeneration Efforts Focus on Long-Term Resilience
Recovery isn’t limited to rebuilding what was lost; it also encompasses proactive measures to prevent future devastation. Representatives recently toured an eight-hectare farm in the communal forest of Flariz, dedicated to chestnut trees, some of which sustained fire damage. A recent investment of €40,000, co-financed through the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy, has secured the area with perimeter closure.
This action was described as a “preventive” measure, demonstrating a strategic approach to containing potential fires and minimizing damage. The local councilor praised the “ideas and great activity” of the forest community, led by Francisco Domínguez, who explained that the plan now includes introducing sheep to help manage the land and reduce fire risk.
Pro tip:-Introducing grazing animals like sheep can naturally reduce flammable vegetation, creating a buffer against future wildfires.
Investment to Increase Considerably by 2026
Looking ahead,medio Rural is poised to substantially increase its investment in forest fire prevention,reaching €75.38 million by 2026 – a 50% increase. Funding for the agreement with the Galician Federation of Municipalities and Provinces and Seaga will also be doubled, rising from €12 million to €25 million. This expanded framework will allow for the prioritization of more parishes, streamlined support for high-risk areas, and the creation of natural firebreaks through the planting of hardwoods.
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Reader question:-What other innovative strategies could communities employ to mitigate the risk of forest fires in Galicia?
