A State Pact Against Forest Fires: Starting with Compliance

• There is a growing call for a State Pact against forest fires to coordinate efforts across all administrative levels.
• Experts and labor advocates argue that effective action requires a shared diagnosis of the climate crisis and strict adherence to existing labor laws.

Barriers to a State Pact

• The proposed pact by the PSOE and Sumar government targets forest fires within the broader context of the climate emergency.
• The PP and Vox have rejected the pact, mirroring broader political divisions, with Vox denying the reality of climate change and the PP struggling with internal inconsistencies.
• Progress is stalled by a lack of consensus on climate issues, making a unified national strategy difficult to implement.

The Reality for Forest Firefighters

• The 'Forest Firefighter Statute' (Ley Básica) is nearly two years old, yet only one of the four promised government decrees has been developed.
• Firefighters face chronic instability, including subcontracting, temporary contracts, and inadequate protective equipment (EPI), sometimes leading to exposure to toxic, carcinogenic particles.
• Certain autonomous regions are criticized for prioritizing private profit over public services, leaving personnel without the necessary support or career recognition for their decades of service.

Necessary Actions

• The government must fulfill its legislative commitments by developing the remaining decrees, which are essential for standardizing workplace risks and professional recognition.
• A comprehensive response must look beyond immediate firefighting to address land-use policies, unchecked urban development, and the long-term impacts of climate change.