Evolution of the number of fires and burned area (Ha)

The Observatory's indicator "Evolution of the number of fires and burned area (Ha)" provides key information for understanding the impact of forest fires in the province of Girona, with special attention to public health. These fires have a significant impact on the environment and health. They generate polluting emissions that affect air quality and contribute to global warming, causing respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and aggravating chronic diseases, especially in vulnerable groups. In addition, they can affect mental health, causing stress and anxiety. Fires also harm the ecosystem services of forests: water regulation, erosion prevention, biodiversity and landscape value. In addition, they aggravate social inequalities, as areas with fewer resources have more difficulty recovering.

To help municipalities, the Observatory offers: • Interactive graphs: They show the evolution of the number of fires and the burned area at municipal and regional level (2011-2023). • Interactive maps: Detail the burned area by type of vegetation and the number of fires by municipality/region and year. Practical examples in the use of this indicator at the municipal, county or provincial level: • Identify risk areas according to the type of fire (wooded, non-wooded, non-forest) in order to concentrate prevention efforts. • To evaluate the effectiveness of fire prevention and management measures carried out at municipal, county or provincial level. • To raise awareness among the population about the importance of forest fire prevention. With these tools, municipalities can make informed decisions to protect the health of the population and the environment in the field of fires.