The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, attended the launch of the annual controlled burning campaign, which began with an intervention in the Ses Jonqueres Veres area, within the S’Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park. This action, part of the Annual Plan for the Prevention, Monitoring and Extinction of Forest Fires, has enabled the treatment of around two hectares of strategic land to reduce accumulated vegetation and improve ecological resilience.

Simonet highlighted the importance of these practices for forest management:
“Active landscape management is essential to prevent fires and ensure the health of our ecosystems. Technical fire, when applied with scientific criteria and strict protocols, helps protect the territory, minimise risks and promote biodiversity.” He also stressed that prevention must continue throughout the year, especially in the current context of rising temperatures and increased fire risk.

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Controlled burning campaign launched to prevent forest fires in S’Albufera Natural Park

The intervention was carried out under strict safety guidelines and specialised technical supervision. Prescribed burns help renew wetland vegetation, reduce shrub density and create natural firebreaks that enhance the effectiveness of emergency teams. They also improve nesting conditions for many bird species and reduce the likelihood of spontaneous or accidental fires.

For 2026, a total of five prescribed burns are planned in strategic areas of Mallorca —Calvià, Escorca, Sa Pobla and Muro— and Menorca —Ferreries and Es Mercadal—. These actions will cover 62 hectares (54.5 in Mallorca and 7.5 in Menorca) and will be carried out by the Inter-Island Forest Fire Operation (OIIF) of the regional administration.

The head of IBANAT, Tomeu Llabrés, emphasised the training and operational value of these controlled burns, which allow forest firefighters to practise in real conditions.
Meanwhile, the director of S’Albufera Natural Park, Maties Rebassa, noted that the interventions help create vegetation discontinuities that improve habitat quality and ecological diversity.

This first operation reaffirms a commitment to active, preventive and sustainable land management, essential for safeguarding the natural spaces of the Balearic Islands.