The devastating fire in Bédar and Los Gallardos, which is still not fully extinguished and requires the presence of 18 firefighters, has ignited an intense debate in the Andalusian Parliament. Following initial days of apparent inter-administrative cooperation, a political 'firestorm' has erupted due to exchanges between the newly formed government of Juanma Moreno and opposition groups.
The Socialist Parliamentary Group has formally requested an Investigation Committee into the events that occurred in the eastern sierra on July 9th. The representative for Almería, Rodrigo Sánchez Haro, presented this demand to the Andalusian Chamber's plenary session during a debate with the Minister of Presidency, Health, and Emergencies, Antonio Sanz, citing justice for victims and affected parties, and the need for precaution against future incidents.
Another socialist representative, Mario Jiménez, questioned the delay in declaring level 1 of the emergency plan, which was enacted over three hours after the fire was known and evacuations had begun. He also criticized the non-use of the ‘Es-Alert’ system to inform the public about safe evacuation routes.
Parliamentary spokespersons for Por Andalucía, Antonio Maíllo, and Adelante Andalucía, José Ignacio García, have joined the call for an Investigation Committee. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Popular Group in the Andalusian Parliament, Toni Martín, defended the cooperation and loyalty of the Junta de Andalucía and the central government, describing the left-wing parties' attitude of sowing doubt about the emergency management as 'miserable', given that the fire has been called the most 'devastating in the history of Andalusia'.
Concurrently, a group of residents affected by the fire in Bédar and Los Gallardos has formed an initial working group named ‘Bédar Fire Working Group’. This collective, comprising about seven individuals with prior experience in defending local interests, such as opposing a high-voltage power line project, aims to become a civic platform to analyze the events and seek solutions to prevent future fires in the area.
The Member of the European Parliament for the Popular Party, Carmen Crespo, has called in Almería for the urgent activation of the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist regions and municipalities affected by the severe forest fires plaguing Spain this summer. According to Ministry data, 22 fires have occurred this summer, burning 101,000 hectares, including the one in Los Gallardos, which claimed 13 lives and scorched over 5,200 hectares.
