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Altea invests over €100,000 in major fire prevention plan across urban and forest areas

 

Altea / 2nd May 2026

 

The town of Altea has announced a record investment of more than €100,000 in fire prevention measures and forest management, aimed at reducing wildfire risk ahead of the summer season.

 

The programme focuses on protecting both natural landscapes and residential areas, particularly where housing meets forested land — a high-risk interface during periods of extreme heat and drought.

 

Combined funding from local and regional authorities

The initiative is financed through:

• Municipal budget allocations
• €18,000 from the Alicante Provincial Council
• €8,000 from the Generalitat Valenciana

 

Officials say the investment reflects a growing need for proactive wildfire prevention across the region, where climate conditions are becoming increasingly severe during summer months.

 

Firebreaks created in high-risk residential zones

A key part of the project involves creating firebreak zones (tallafocs) to slow or stop the spread of flames near populated areas.

 

Work has been carried out in several urbanisations, including:

• Serra Altea I – vegetation clearance in the Aigua ravine to separate housing zones
• Paradiso–Monterrico – firebreak linked to access roads for evacuation routes
• Galera de las Palmeras – vegetation reduction near the AP-7 motorway and railway line
• Altea Hills – protective clearing along the AP-7 corridor

 

These measures are designed to improve emergency access and reduce the risk of fire spreading into residential streets.

 

Large-scale forest maintenance and tree removal

The council has also completed environmental management work across more than 64,400 square metres of forest land, including ravine areas such as Barranco de los Macits and Barranco del Gord.

 

Due to prolonged drought conditions, between 700 and 800 dead pine trees were removed after being identified as a significant fire hazard.

 

Officials say dry and dead vegetation dramatically increases the speed and intensity of wildfires, making removal a critical safety measure.

 

Reforestation with native species

To offset ecological loss, the council has planted around 500 native trees, including:

• Holm oaks
• Strawberry trees
• Carob trees
• Olive trees

 

The aim is to restore biodiversity while creating a more resilient and fire-resistant landscape over time.

 

Local government emphasis on prevention

Environment councillor José Orozco said the work reflects both environmental responsibility and public safety priorities.

 

He stressed that protecting Altea’s natural surroundings also means protecting residents living in forest-adjacent urban areas, particularly as temperatures continue to rise each summer.

 

''Altea is our home. Our landscape, our ravines, our mountains are part of who we are. Protecting them is protecting ourselves.”

 

He also highlighted that:

“With these actions, Altea fulfills its responsibility to protect its green environments and natural heritage, ensuring that the municipality is prepared before the arrival of high temperatures, while protecting families living in areas with high forest density.”

 

Wider regional context

Across Spain’s Mediterranean coast, municipalities have been increasing investment in wildfire prevention following several intense fire seasons in recent years.

 

Authorities in Alicante province have prioritised:

• Vegetation management
• Urban-forest buffer zones
• Emergency evacuation planning
• Climate adaptation strategies

 

Altea’s latest investment is among the most significant local fire prevention budgets announced in the region this year.