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A new petition is calling for stronger fire prevention measures in El Valle and Carrascoy Regional Park after a wildfire on one of the first warm days of summer burned 177 hectares and led to nearby homes being evacuated.

 

For many people in Murcia, this is a place they know well and value. One supporter of the campaign, who has spent years enjoying the park, said: "I’ve been enjoying El Valle y Carrascoy Regional Park for years, organising volunteer days to plant trees, participating in activities with our mountain sports club... On the first warm day of this summer, a fire broke out and ravaged 177 hectares. Nearby homes even had to be evacuated. I was devastated."

 

The petition says the time to act is now. It argues that the park is part of the natural heritage of Murcia and that the growing wildfire risk means authorities need to do more before another serious fire happens.

 

The campaign asks for a series of practical steps. These include access control and environmental monitoring at the main entrances to the busiest part of the park, between Balsa Redonda and Fuensanta, with suggested points including Camino subida al valle, Carretera del Valle, Carretera de la Luz, Calle Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta and Calle Paraje Monte Tana.

 

Other measures proposed are clearer signs in the Fuensanta and Balsa Redonda car parks reminding visitors of park rules, limits on vehicles at night, and temporary restrictions on motor vehicle access during episodes of extreme fire risk.

 

The petition also calls for new hydrant points near the Fuensanta Sanctuary and Balsa Redonda, better roads for firefighters, cleaner firebreaks, brush clearance near housing developments, and more frequent visits by park control staff. It also wants traditional grazing allowed, and for burned areas to be reforested.

 

The message from the campaign is simple: "We must act now." It urges people to sign and help protect one of Murcia’s best-loved green spaces before the next fire strikes.

 

Click here to back the campaign and help safeguard Murcia’s natural heritage

 

 

Image: Change.org