Jaca protesters demand better forest fire prevention

Approximately 6,000 people participated in a demonstration in Jaca, Aragón, to protest recent forest fires and express support for forest firefighters. Under the slogan “Aragón Arde, Azcón y Nolasco responsables,” protesters demanded increased resources and personnel for fire prevention and extinction.

The Movimiento por la Dignidad de la Montaña characterized the summer's fires, which burned over 44,000 hectares, as a “catástrofe prevenible y previsible” (preventable and foreseeable catastrophe). Organizers criticized current land management models, citing rural depopulation and the decline of extensive livestock farming as factors that increase forest biomass and fire risk.

Participants called for the resignation of officials Jorge Azcón, Alejandro Nolasco, and Luis Biendicho. They also advocated for policies that support sustainable local economies and dignified housing in rural villages to counter the effects of climate change and mass tourism.