Summer brings a high risk of forest fires, and municipalities are preparing to prevent any disaster. In Jerez de la Frontera, the Local Police have deployed their drone unit as part of a plan to maximize protection of the area and its residents. Unmanned aerial vehicles have become an invaluable tool in preventing forest fires , both for detecting potential outbreaks and for responding quickly.
These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) proved their effectiveness during last winter's river flooding, and are now back in operation to monitor the most vulnerable areas. This tool allows for comprehensive surveillance, as the cameras provide a real-time view of the locations with the highest risk of ignition.
Aerial surveillance in high-risk areas
The so-called "aerial patrol" is being carried out in the highest-alert rural and urban areas . In rural areas, the picnic areas of La Suara, Las Aguilillas, and Santa Teresa are being overflown, as well as the park near the Puente de la Barca de la Florida bridge, the Montecastillo area, the Estella road, and the area around the Jerez-Ángel Nieto Circuit, in addition to the Las Tablas area. The priority is to identify potential ignition hazards, such as unauthorized barbecues or accumulations of flammable waste.
Within the town limits, surveillance focuses on the Torrox Lagoon and Vallesequillo Park , two popular spots that may harbor potential hazards. Aerial images allow for the detection of antisocial behavior or illegal camping that could lead to a fire. In addition, the drone unit prepares detailed reports on the condition of each area and helps locate unauthorized dumpsites.
Coordination and response to emergencies
The Deputy Mayor for Security, José Ignacio Martínez, noted that the drone unit facilitates coordination between the various emergency services. Thanks to aerial imagery, it is possible to react more quickly and effectively, as demonstrated during the drone coordination efforts to extinguish a fire near Montecastillo. The captured information allows officers to intervene on-site, even before the fire spreads.
The Local Civil Protection Volunteer Group has also joined this collaborative network. Their rapid response team has been particularly valued in areas like Guadalcacín, where their work has received public recognition. These volunteers support the firefighters and help protect rural areas, thus forming a coordinated response to any emergency.
Control of sensitive areas and preventive monitoring
The drone unit is also used to monitor landfills and areas where burning has occurred . Both authorized municipal landfills and those that have sprung up spontaneously and irresponsibly are monitored, and any potential stubble burning is tracked. The daily images allow the Local Police to monitor forests with drones and require owners of adjacent properties to take the necessary preventative measures.
With this strategy, Jerez not only protects itself against wildfires, but has also deployed this unit at large-scale events such as the Zambomba festival, the Three Kings Parade, Holy Week, the Motorcycle Grand Prix, and the Horse Fair. The combination of drones and ground patrols has proven its efficiency, improving safety and intervention capacity in all areas.
In short, the use of drones has become a cornerstone of municipal security management. It not only contributes to fire prevention but also strengthens the protection of natural and urban areas. This commitment to sustainable technology positions Jerez as a leader in the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles for emergencies, with a clear focus on safeguarding the population and the environment.
