Gearing up to fight forest fires

THE Infoca fire extinction programme is preparing for summer, the forest fire season. Since May 1, a transport and fire-extinction helicopter has been in position at the Forest Defence Centre (Cedefo) in Alhama de Almeria.
Two groups of seven specialists on alternate shifts will be on duty, ready to despatch the helicopter to fight fires not only in Almeria Province, but also in adjoining areas where help is needed.
It now depends on the weather to determine what happens next. “Meteorological conditions will set the rhythm for transferring personnel from their winter fire-prevention tasks,” an Infoca official said. “But from June 1 onwards all staff will be on firefighting duties or maintaining support infrastructure like water deposits and hydrants.”