The President of the Balearic Government, alongside Minister Joan Simonet, highlighted the acquisition of over 20 new vehicles, technological advancements, and strengthened prevention efforts for this year’s campaign.
Prohens, who expressed gratitude for “the great and essential work” carried out by all personnel involved in the operation, reminded that over 90% of forest fires are caused by human activity.
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Prohens Presents the Teams and Resources Deployed in the Balearic Islands to Tackle Forest Fires and Issues a Call for Maximum Caution in the Use of Fire
President Margalida Prohens of the Balearic Government, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, presented today at Son Bonet Airport (Marratxí) the teams and resources deployed in the Balearic Islands for the 2025 forest fire campaign. The Inter-Island Forest Fire Operation (OIIF), under the Directorate General of Natural Environment and Forest Management, is composed of 350 personnel, including staff from the Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANAT), the Forest Management Service, and environmental agents.
Prohens noted: “This year we have enjoyed an exceptionally wet spring, with more than double the usual rainfall for this time of year, which has significantly reduced the number of incidents. However, we must not let our guard down.” She emphasised maximum caution in the use of fire, recalling that over 90% of forest fires are of human origin. She also thanked “the great and indispensable work” of all the personnel involved in the operation.
New Features for 2025
One key innovation this year is the renewal of the surveillance and coordination aircraft contract, which now includes a cutting-edge camera capable of transmitting real-time images in both visual and infrared formats. “This next-generation tool will send critical information to both the fire communication centre and the on-site command centre, helping us identify vulnerable hotspots and track the fire’s evolution in real time. It is a very useful tool for improving the safety of firefighting aircraft,” said the president. The contract, with an initial term of two years (2025–2027) and a possible two-year extension, has a budget of €1.4 million.
Additionally, Prohens announced that “IBANAT will receive 24 new vehicles this year, improving both safety and operational efficiency.”
Regarding aerial resources, the president confirmed the continued availability of five helicopters and three aeroplanes (two amphibious and one coordination/surveillance aircraft), in addition to two more aeroplanes provided by Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, including a Canadair based in Pollença.
Focus on Prevention
Minister Simonet emphasised the significant prevention efforts carried out in 2024 and indicated these will increase in 2025. Last year, the government conducted fire prevention work on 412 hectares: 275 in Mallorca, 81 in Ibiza, 38 in Menorca, and 18 in Formentera.
“This year, the area targeted for prevention will increase significantly, as 222 private forest landowners will benefit from the current FOGAIBA subsidy line, totalling more than €3.5 million. These landowners are expected to carry out prevention work on over 580 hectares, in addition to actions carried out by the Government itself. In 2025, prevention work has already been completed on over 40 hectares across all four islands,” Simonet stated.
He also stressed that “fighting forest fires requires more than just having modern and efficient equipment; it also means actively managing the territory. Landowners near forest areas must maintain firebreaks, which can be crucial in preventing a fire from becoming a tragedy.” He added, “Our archipelago faces a real risk due to the flammability of vegetation and the increasing impact of climate change. Public awareness and responsibility are key.”
Coordinated Response
IBANAT manager Tomeu Llabrés emphasised “the coordinated, inter-island response capacity of the operation, which ensures a fast and effective reaction to any fire outbreak on any of the islands.” He also acknowledged the valuable cooperation of other entities such as the Directorate General for Emergencies, Civil Protection, island fire departments, local police, the Civil Guard, and others, stressing that “their involvement strengthens us for this campaign, with caution and prevention as our main allies.”
Fire Season and Legal Restrictions
The high-risk forest fire season in the Balearic Islands officially began on May 1 and will run until October 15, according to current regulations. The objective is to protect natural heritage and ensure public safety during the hottest and driest months. During this period, lighting fires is strictly prohibited within 50 meters of forested areas and in any recreational zones. Additionally, burning agricultural waste within 500 meters of forested land requires prior administrative authorisation.
Officials Attending the Event
In addition to President Prohens and Minister Simonet, the event was attended by Anna Torres (Director General of Natural Environment and Forest Management), Pablo Gárriz (Director General of Emergencies), Miquel Busquets (Palma’s Councillor for Public Safety), Rafel Àngel Bosch (Island Councillor for Finance and Public Service in Mallorca), Joan Fornàs (Island Director of Emergencies), and Manuel Vicente Martínez (Marratxí’s Councillor for the Environment).
Strong Pre-Season Results
Between January 1 and May 5, 2025, there were 17 forest fires recorded in the Balearic Islands, affecting a minimal area of just 0.58 hectares. These figures represent a substantial improvement over the same period in 2024 (38 fires and 68.64 ha burned), making it the best pre-season in the past 20 years (2006–2025) in terms of the number of incidents. In total, 2024 ended with 94 forest fires and 305.75 hectares burned.