The Izarbeibar fire is under control, but there is a risk of re-ignition

The forest fire declared on Tuesday between Muruzabal, Obanos, Añorbe and Eneritz (Navarre) is already under control, but extinction work continues and emergency level 2 has been maintained, with a high risk of re-ignition due to high temperatures and southern wind, which has burned 338 hectares .

Interior , Public Service and Justice Counsellor Amparo Lopez has explained that "the situation has evolved better" than Tuesday, but has called for caution.

"We're still working on cooling the area. A helicopter is still working and we are maintaining level 2 because the forecast of forest fire risk will be very serious in the coming days, "he said.

The fire has affected 338 hectares on a perimeter of about 11 kilometres, according to the first data collected. According to Lopez, the cereal may have been caused by a packaging machine, but the Foral Police are still investigating to clarify what happened. "I keep the work of the Foral Police, but we know it was a packaging machine," he said.

The counselor recalled that this type of fire "is not an exact science" and stressed the experience gained in previous fires (such as Leiren in 2022) to maintain surveillance: "A breath of wind can revive a seemingly extinct fire. That is why we must work prudently on the ground and make concrete decisions, no matter how doubtful. "

Some agricultural work can be done

The Foral Government has softened the foral order prohibiting the carrying out of agricultural work. This extraordinary measure was adopted following the activation of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fire Emergencies (INFONA) of the Foral Community of Navarre, with the aim of preventing the carrying out of agricultural and forestry work or any activity on non-urbanisable land likely to cause fires.

The Councillor has explained that, given the positive development of the situation, it has been decided to "interpret the order flexibly", allowing the resumption of agriculture, forestry and certain civil activities, always with caution.

On the other hand, the Councillor for Rural Development and theEnvironment, José María Aierdi, has detailed the flexibility measures, which will make it possible to work on cuts in the forests of the Cantabrian and Northwest and in the hayedosthroughout Navarre.

Similarly, work may be undertaken to collect tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, cabbage, broccoli or radishes, "unless they are too dangerous," Aierdi said. Maize and alfalfa may also be harvested, irrigation may be carried out, vehicles may be used to maintain or supervise crops and motorpumps may be used.

Aierdi has stressed that the suspension of these works has affected the activity of canned and agri-food companies and has called for the responsibility of the sector: "It is essential that these activities be developed, but with strict security measures to prevent a recurrence of the situation we experienced yesterday."