The deputy spokesperson for the Gomera Socialist Group Parliamentary Group (ASG), Jesús Ramos, defended this Thursday, in the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the need for forestry intervention teams to have a permanent helicopter base in Alajeró.
The ASG deputy asked the Minister of Ecological Transition and Energy, Mariano Hernández Zapata, to detail the progress of the project and clarify what aerial means La Gomera will have in 2027 to respond to a fire while the future installation is being processed.
In the Ecological Transition Commission, Ramos focused on those who live around the Garajonay National Park. He recalled that the park occupies 3,984 hectares and that its peripheral protection zone covers another 4,558.95. "In these peripheral areas there are populations to whom we have to provide security," he stated. The deputy highlighted that the neighbors are well aware of the crews that clear the brush near their homes and want to know what protection they will have if the fire threatens their homes.
Hernández Zapata confirmed that the geotechnical study drilling has already been carried out and thanked the Alajeró City Council for its collaboration in locating the owners of the plots. The Ministry maintains the expectation that Tragsatec will conclude the drafting of the project before December 15. During 2027 it will process its declaration as a project of public interest and, in parallel, it will seek agreements to acquire the land. The counselor placed the first actions on the ground in the last months of that year, without setting a date for entry into service.
The future base will have spaces to park and maintain helicopters, quarters for personnel and facilities for intervention vehicles and equipment. The counselor pointed out that the 2027 budget project includes 3.4 million euros for all prevention and reinforcement actions against forest fires in La Gomera. Specific financing to build the base is pending.
Ramos also asked about air coverage starting January 1, given that the contract for two helicopters of the Forest Fire Intervention and Reinforcement Teams (EIRIF), with their crews and maintenance, expires on December 31. In his response, the counselor recalled that prevention work is carried out in Alajeró throughout the year and described the autonomous aerial device, with two permanent helicopters and a third for reinforcement in the period of greatest risk. The specific coverage of the island for 2027 remained to be specified.
"I think that this permanent helicopter base on the island of La Gomera is essential," said Ramos. The deputy spokesperson recalled that ASG has been warning in the Chamber since 2020 that the risk of fire extends beyond the summer and highlighted that, from Alajeró, the teams could also provide support to La Palma and El Hierro.
