Court in Ávila opens investigation into Burgohondo fire: possible environmental crimes
A court in Ávila is investigating the Burgohondo forest fire, one of Spain's most serious, on suspicion of environmental and forestry offences.
Ávila court opens proceedings into Burgohondo forest fire
The Preliminary Instruction Section of the Court of First Instance in Ávila has opened preliminary proceedings to investigate the Burgohondo fire, one of the most devastating in Spain's recent history, according to reports from Google News ES — Crime (es). The court is acting on indications of possible offences relating to forest fire and damage to the environment.
The Regional High Court of Justice of Castilla and León announced on Wednesday that the opening of the investigation took place after examining the initial report drawn up by SEPRONA of the Civil Guard. The judicial body has also received around fifty complaints filed by those affected.
During the investigation, the court will carry out the necessary proceedings to determine the origin of the fire, the circumstances in which it occurred and any possible liability arising from the events.
Two detained for use of heavy machinery in prohibited area
Shortly after the fire was declared, the Civil Guard detained one person and investigated another for having used heavy machinery in a restricted area during a heatwave. One of them is the owner of the machinery and the other is its operator.
The delegated prosecutor for the Environment and Forest Fires in Castilla and León, María del Carmen Barberán, explained in August to RTVE Castilla y León that both could be held responsible: "The operator, in the event that he is aware that he could not do so, no matter what your boss's order is, the administration's order that you cannot carry out such work takes precedence."
Should their liability for negligence be proven, those charged could face sentences of between 5 and 10 years' imprisonment.
A fire with exceptional consequences
The fire broke out on 22 July and devastated 37,818 hectares, according to the latest estimate by the Castilla and León Regional Government. It affected around twenty municipalities in the valleys of the Alberche, Tierra de Pinares and the Alto Tiétar, forcing the evacuation of nearly 40,000 people and the confinement of another 10,000.
Among the environmental damage, the destruction of the Valle de Iruelas Natural Reserve stands out, which is home to one of Europe's most important colonies of black vultures. The INFOCAL plan portal of the Regional Government maintains the fire as "under control" and indicates negligence as the probable cause.
Source: Google News ES — Crime (es)