Extremadura officials report shortage in forest fire prevention staff

The regional government of Extremadura has acknowledged a shortage of personnel dedicated to forest fire prevention. José Antonio Bayón, the Director General for Prevention and Extinction of Forest Fires, stated during an assembly appearance that only two officials are currently processing fire prevention measures and peri-urban plans.

Bayón proposed the creation of a specific administrative unit for prevention to increase agility and effectiveness. This proposal aims to address the difficulties faced by municipalities, which often lack the technical and economic capacity to execute required fire safety measures. The Socialist Party (PSOE) has highlighted the backlog, noting that 113 peri-urban plans in Badajoz remain pending.