Las Rozas completes brush clearance campaign over 451 hectares to prevent fires

The City Council of Las Rozas has concluded the brush clearance campaign covering nearly 451 hectares with 53 workers and has activated the PAMIF, which this year incorporates drones from the Local Police for surveillance.

The City Council of Las Rozas has declared the brush clearance campaign finished ahead of the summer season, with a total of 451 hectares treated and a team of 53 workers. The work, which began in May and concluded on June 15, has left the vegetation at a maximum height of 10 centimetres in a perimeter strip of 30 metres next to buildings and urban plots.

The Councillor for Environment and City Services, Jaime Santamarta, highlighted that these tasks are essential to reduce the risk of fires during the high-risk period, which extends until September 30. Residents of Las Rozas will thus see their safety reinforced in urban-forest interface areas.

Drones and 30 trained agents for surveillance

This year's innovation is the incorporation of drones from the Local Police into the Municipal Emergency Action Plan for Forest Fires (PAMIF). Two automated units with programmed flights are located on the rooftop of the police building, and another two are installed in vehicles. A total of 30 agents have received specific training for their operation, allowing for more effective surveillance of natural areas.

Additionally, the Civil Protection Group, with its forest fire unit, will conduct surveillance with off-road vehicles and a forest pump. The Councillor for Emergencies and Security, David Santos, emphasized that the PAMIF establishes the organisational and functional framework to coordinate all authorities and services in the event of an emergency.

Recommendations for residents and contact

The City Council reminds residents of the importance of taking extra precautions, especially in areas adjacent to forested regions. In case of any emergency, the number to call is 112. For inquiries about the plan or the brush clearance, citizens can contact via email at medioambiente@lasrozas.es, the free phone number 900 720 300, or the municipal Resident Attention number 010.

The brush clearance work has also included the creation of strips 10 metres wide on each side of roads with vehicle traffic and pedestrian paths, following the guidelines of the INFOMA. With all this, Las Rozas is preparing for a summer with a lower risk of fires, although citizen collaboration remains key.