The Catalan government's Rural Agents Corps activates the Alfa Plan across Catalonia to manage and prevent forest fires, defining actions for surveillance and prevention based on fire risk. This plan, which ranges from level 0 (low risk) to level 4 (extreme risk), dictates what activities are permitted or prohibited in specific municipalities or geographical areas.
Each level corresponds to a different degree of forest fire danger. Level 0 signifies low fire danger, while level 1 indicates moderate danger. Level 2 represents high danger, escalating to level 3 for very high danger and level 4 for extreme danger. The General Directorate of Rural Agents creates the Alfa Plan map daily, using information from the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda's forest fire danger map.
Restrictions at Level 3
When the Alfa Plan reaches level 3, pre-alert and alert phases of the Infocat Plan (Special Emergency Plan for Forest Fires) may be activated. This level introduces several prohibitions to reduce fire risk. It becomes forbidden to light fires in any open spaces, including designated areas in rest stops along roads, recreational zones, and campsites.
Temporary suspension of all authorised stubble burning, permanent pasture burning, pruning waste burning, and silvicultural waste burning also comes into effect. The use of machinery and equipment in mountains and rural areas within 500 metres that generate deflagration, sparks, or electrical discharges is prohibited, unless explicitly authorised by the competent autonomous administration body or necessary for fire extinction. The introduction and use of pyrotechnic material are also banned, as is throwing or abandoning burning objects or any material that could start a fire. Restrictions are also placed on the use of blowtorches, radial saws, and similar tools within 500 metres of forest land.
Extreme Danger: Level 4 Measures
In episodes of extreme forest fire danger, when Alfa Plan level 4 is activated, extraordinary measures are implemented in affected municipalities. Access to protected natural areas and other frequently visited forest zones may be restricted, with exceptions only for residents and essential services. This level can also lead to restrictions on certain activities in natural environments, as outlined in a resolution signed by the Minister of the Department of Interior and Public Security.
The primary reason for these measures is to protect people in extreme danger situations and to reduce the risk of fires caused by human activity in forest areas. The activation of Alfa Plan level 4, combined with an analysis of other risk indicators, triggers the alert phase of the Civil Protection's Infocat Plan. At this level, Rural Agents focus exclusively on monitoring compliance with these extraordinary measures and enforcing the prohibition of activities that pose a fire risk.
