Forest fires and cultural heritage: protection strategies in Castilla y León

Escudero, Cristina - Coordinator of the Unit for Risk Management and Emergencies in Cultural Heritage (UGRECYL), Region Castilla y León - JCyL, General Directorate of Cultural Heritage and PROCULTHER-NET Focal Point

ISSN 2975-190X

Forest fires are an increasing threat, causing widespread destruction to lives, property, and both natural and cultural heritage. But is it just about cultural heritage? No, this is a disaster that primarily affects the rural heritage, which carries its own set of unique challenges.

In response to this issue, the Regional Ministry of Culture of the Junta de Castilla y León has developed several strategies to address it. For example, since 2016, a dedicated team has been established to focus on the protection of cultural heritage: the Risk and Emergency Management Unit for Cultural Heritage of Castilla y León (UGRECYL).

This article explores the damage and consequences of forest fires on cultural heritage, outlines the protection strategies implemented in this area, and provides practical examples of their application, such as the case of the Navalacruz forest fire in Ávila (August 2021).

KEYWORDS: wildfires, cultural heritage, response. In PROCULTHER-NET Project. Technical Bulletin N. 2, June 2023, pp 54-66

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