Last year, 8.07 hectares were burned by fire according to data collected by the IbizaPreservation Sustainability Observatory
The area affected by fire in Ibiza in 2023 increased sixfold compared to the previous year. From 1.4 hectares affected in 2022, the recorded fires and incidents affected 8.07 hectares during 2023. These figures were supplied by the Balearic Institute of Nature (IBANAT) and are featured in the upcoming 2023 Sustainability Report written by the Sustainability Observatory of IbizaPreservation, a project funded by the Consell of Ibiza.
A significant portion of the burned area in Ibiza was caused by three fires that occurred in 2023, impacting a total of 6.8 hectares. This is considered “a concerning statistic” by the Observatory, especially given that the island experienced no recorded fire incidents in 2022. The remaining affected area in 2023, totalling 1.27 hectares, was attributed to 24 fire outbreaks (those under 1 hectare), the same number as reported in 2022.
Regarding the type of impacted area, 42.3% was wooded land and 57.7% was non-wooded land. In comparison, during 2022, 81.4% of the burned area was wooded.
High risk of forest fires
The Sustainability Observatory reminds the public that “we are currently in a period of high risk of forest fires,” which has been in effect since April 1 of this year in Ibiza and Formentera, and since April 15 in the rest of the Balearic Islands. This high-risk period is expected to continue until October 15.
According to the Forest Fire Defence Plan for the Balearic Islands, of the 704 fires recorded in Ibiza between 1990 and 2012 (including fire outbreaks), 25.43% were intentional and 60.23% were due to human negligence. These human-driven factors accounts for the majority of fires and highlights the need for effective preventive, precautionary, and protective measures to reduce the risk of forest fires. The Plan also indicates that July and August are the months with the highest number of fires. “Given that human negligence is the main cause of fires, it is crucial that we respect all existing rules and measures for prevention, such as the ban of lighting fires in forested areas and within 50 metres of them,” said Itziar Arratibel, the technical coordinator of the Observatory.
In this context, the summer season, combined with factors such as the significant human pressure the island experiences each year and the ongoing climate emergency, creates conditions that may lead to the occurrence of more intense fires with a greater potential for spreading.
The Sustainability Observatory acknowledged the work of various institutions and organisations on the island dedicated to fire prevention and protection, and urged the public to respect the campaign regarding the high risk of forest fires in the Balearic Islands.
