The President of the Junta, Juanma Moreno, has stated that the EMA is the most important agency in Spain in terms of human and material resources, with a budget of 270 million euros and over 5,000 staff, whom he highlighted for their dedication, work, and professionalism.
In this regard, he explained that in its first five months, it has already demonstrated successful management in extraordinary situations, including a series of high-impact storms in the region, the threat of collapse of the Cueva de la Mora dam in Almonaster, an unprecedented national blackout, an industrial warehouse fire in Alcalá de Guadaíra, and the Huércal de Almería fire on May 3rd.
«Thanks to the EMA, today we can address emergency management from a comprehensive perspective, considering the circumstances before, during, and after emergencies occur. This allows us to reduce risks, improve response, and recover before events, by bringing together the 112 service, Civil Protection, Infoca, the Andalusian Emergency Group (GREA), and the Andalusian Emergency and Public Safety Institute (Iespa) under one entity and command,» he added.
Moreno, who attended the presentation of the Andalusian Emergency Agency and the Infoca Plan campaign for this year, stated that the Infoca device is a benchmark in Europe and a source of pride for Andalusia, highlighting the operational capacity of its over 4,000 staff. «Having Infoca is a guarantee not only in terms of intervention, but also in terms of innovation, development, and logistics.»
He emphasized that Andalusia can be proud of each of these bodies and institutions, highlighting that the Civil Protection system is an essential part of the EMA, with significant contributions such as the Territorial Emergency Plan of Civil Protection and the Decree for the Boost of the Local Civil Protection System, ensuring an adequate response for Andalusians
«Today, this service is working on a Self-Protection Decree for Andalusia and on the development of regulations related to the forty-two fire departments in this community.»
The Andalusian President receives instructions on one of the devices used in this year’s campaign.
In this way, he indicated that the EMA 112 is another indisputable ally in the prevention system and highlighted the training of its professionals, which is the basis for improving response.
At this point, he referred to the work carried out by the Andalusian Emergency and Public Safety Institute (Iespa) and the Andalusian Emergency Group (GREA), which enhance the coordination capacity of resources in potentially catastrophic events through studies and analyses valued throughout Spain.
He also mentioned the Infoca device, which, he said, comes to the Agency as an intervention body not only in the case of forest fires, but also in other emergencies.
Juanma Moreno greets some of the technicians from the forest fire emergency plan.
The Andalusian President stated that we have just begun a campaign that is expected to be challenging, as the abundant rains this year have generated much more herbaceous vegetation that, with the heat and dryness, is already turning into tinder that facilitates the spread of fires. However, he reiterated that we have two important strengths against this backdrop: the new Andalusian Emergency Agency, integrated with the best professionals and resources, working in the field of fire prevention and extinction and protection of people, property, and the environment, and the commitment of Andalusians and visitors to our natural heritage.
Here, he recalled that last year, the 112 received over 24,600 calls alerting about forest fires, and this year alone, more than 2,000 calls have been received. He emphasized that Andalusia has the best professionals from Infoca, 112, GREA, Iespa, or Civil Protection, as well as the best modernized and updated resources in the last six years like never before.
In this regard, he specified that since 2019, the Junta has invested 165 million in improvements to materials and infrastructures, and the construction of Forest Defense Centers has been reinforced, with 23 Cedefos in place today.
In addition, he highlighted the renewal of firefighting vehicles by 75% in two terms, with an investment of over 25 million euros, and stated that among the available resources are 40 aircraft during the high-risk season, 36 of which were provided by the Junta through an investment of 93 million over four years.
He also emphasized the renewal of the fleet for personnel transport with 282 new vehicles.
Moreno and Sanz shake hands with two of the Infoca professionals.
Moreno pointed out that the Agency has launched the Emergency Platform for Citizens, a website where Andalusians can access useful information to prevent risks and follow the evolution of any emergency. «For the first time, the population will have real-time information on emergencies and forest fires and the possibility to contact 112 or apps associated with foreseeable risk devices like the Romero Plan or the Cerro Plan.»
At this point, he stressed that information saves lives, and that each Andalusian is an essential link to avoid incidents and minimize their effects. «In 21st-century Civil Protection, active citizen participation is essential.»
Also present at the event were the Minister of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification, Antonio Sanz, and the Director General of Emergencies and Civil Protection, Alejandro García.