The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment has reported on the impact of forest fires recorded in the Balearic Islands between January 1 and December 1, 2024. According to official figures, in this period, there have been 22 fires in Ibiza and six in Formentera, affecting a total of 3.48 hectares in both islands.
Affected areas in the Pitiusas Islands
In Ibiza, the fires have consumed 3.19 hectares, of which 1.53 correspond to wooded area and 1.66 to treeless land. Meanwhile, in Formentera, the fires have burned 0.29 hectares, with 0.27 hectares of wooded area and 0.02 of treed land. These figures place the Pitiusas as the islands with the smallest area affected by fires in the Balearic Islands, compared to the 236.97 hectares burned in Mallorca and 8.22 in Menorca. However, each hectare lost in a territory as limited as the Pitiusas represents a significant blow to its fragile ecosystem.
A year marked by prevention
Throughout the year, prevention work has been intensified in Ibiza and Formentera, especially in urban areas near forest areas. The Conselleria has emphasized the importance of identifying elements vulnerable to fire around homes, a recommendation especially relevant in this month, when milder temperatures facilitate the work of cleaning and adequacy. Joan Simonet, head of the department, recalled that prevention remains the best tool to avoid natural tragedies that not only affect the environment, but also local communities.
