The management of carob trees in areas near homes is once again at the center of the debate on safety and forest fire prevention. Residents of the Ponera Mountain, in Sagunto, have been fighting unsuccessfully for more than two years to get the competent authorities to act against the abandonment of adjoining private land, covered with carob and pine trees that have not been maintained for more than a decade. This situation has generated serious concern, as residents believe the condition of the plot poses a serious fire risk, capable of affecting numerous homes scattered in this area surrounded by nature.
Although from the beginning Those affected warned of the danger Through various letters to local and regional administrations, the institutional response has been insufficient. In March 2023, the issue was referred to the former Sagunto Agrarian Council; shortly after, a municipal technical report acknowledged the existence of dry scrub and abundant vegetation likely to facilitate the spread of fire. The landowners were then urged to proceed with the work of clearing, pruning, and removing dangerous species.
In accordance with current regulations, Farm owners are required to maintain their plots in good condition that minimize the risk of fire, erosion, or flooding. This is established in Article 16 of Royal Legislative Decree 7/2015, which points out the need to protect vegetation in the interest of collective well-being and environmental protection. However, residents complain that no real progress has been made and that The danger continues to grow as the months go by.
Before the lack of municipal results, the owners of the affected cabin decided to go to the Forest Fire Prevention Section of the Regional Ministry. They requested urgent intervention to compel both the city council and those responsible for the land to undertake the necessary cleanup. The regional administration's response was that the responsibility fell within the municipal sphere, and they pointed out that part of the plot appears in the Local Fire Prevention Plan as a priority area for the establishment of a perimeter strip.
Despite further attempts and repeated requests, the administrative process has proved fruitless, with those affected moving from one department to another without any effective response. In the words of the residents themselves, the situation It is getting worse and worse and the fear of a fire breaking out is growing, especially due to the high temperatures that usually affect the area and increase the risk of carob trees and other vegetation becoming a real powder keg.
According to technical reports and various neighborhood warnings, the Lack of intervention in this type of land covered with carob and pine trees Not only does it compromise people's safety, but it also threatens the conservation of the natural environment. The regulations suggest the possibility of the city council acting as a subsidiary, carrying out the cleanup and passing the costs on to the cadastral owners of the land, but this option has not yet materialized in this specific case.
To ensure the safety of homes and protect natural heritage, it is essential that public authorities act promptly and in a coordinated manner. The situation on Ponera Mountain reflects the importance of efficient forest management and preventive measures that can prevent tragedies caused by forest fires. Collaboration between residents and local and regional authorities is key to reducing risks and keeping the area safe for everyone.
