Galicia wildfire exhibition opens in A Rúa amid restoration concerns

An exhibition titled ‘Lume, the threat of forest fires in Europe: the case of Galicia through the eyes of Brais Lorenzo’ has opened at the Avenida Cultural Center in A Rúa. The photographic series, by World Press Photo award winner Brais Lorenzo, documents the devastating wildfires that struck Galicia during the summer of 2025, specifically focusing on the impact in Ourense and eastern Lugo.

Official data from the Xunta indicates that the fires destroyed 31,778 hectares, though the European Copernicus program estimates the affected area exceeds 40,000 hectares. The exhibition serves as a tribute to the victims and residents who fought the fires in areas considered ‘ground zero.’

During the presentation, BNG MEP Ana Miranda and A Rúa Mayor María G. Albert criticized the lack of land restoration following the 2025 fire wave. They highlighted ongoing issues with water resources, runoff, and public safety. Miranda further alleged that the regional government is failing to meet European Commission nature restoration objectives and is mismanaging available European funds.