The forest fire problem has been particularly bad since the start of the year.

The lack of rain seen in Spain has resulted in winter being one with the most forest fires seen in recent years. More than 13,500 hectares have been ablaze in January and February this year, the third worst figure in the past ten years, and regions of the country have asked for urgent help in dealing with the drought conditions via a new decree.

Cataluña has faced its worst time for winter forest fires since 1984, with more than 1,500 hectares affected in 228 separate fires. The most important were seen recently in the Lleida Pyrenees and on the Costa Brava.

Farmers in both Spain and Portugal have warned of the losses they face because of the lack of rain. European Agriculture Ministers are to meet on March 19 and 20 to discuss the consequences of the drought, but the EU does not have any particular instruments to help or to attend to the damage done to crops by the drought.

The danger will continue if it does not rain in the next few weeks.

Source: http://www.typicallyspanish.com