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"United Front in Extremadura": Community's Mutual Protection Against Fires

Residents in Segura de Toro, nestled in the Ambóz valley's remote wilderness, have tirelessly guarded against destructive wildfires, with minimal outside assistance. Their determined, round-the-clock vigilance yielded a victorious outcome.

Villagers in Extremadura, Spain organize collective defense to combat a rampant forest fire
Villagers in Extremadura, Spain organize collective defense to combat a rampant forest fire

"United Front in Extremadura": Community's Mutual Protection Against Fires

In the heart of Extremadura, the small town of Segura de Toro has become a beacon of resilience and community spirit. The Ambroz Valley, an environmental gem nestled on the flank of the Sierra de Gredos, has been severely impacted by historically tragic fires, with at least 350,000 hectares burned.

The self-organized group in Segura de Toro, composed of local residents acting independently without political support, has been instrumental in saving their town. Their autonomous organization and unwavering commitment to addressing community needs directly have proven crucial in the face of adversity.

The "smoke brigade," as they've come to be known, is a testament to the town's resilience. Each day, they patrol the hills surrounding Segura de Toro, equipped with shovels, ready to smother embers or flames if necessary. When potential fires are spotted, videos are shared on the Segura de Toro WhatsApp group, allowing the brigade to respond promptly.

Tomorrow, an anonymous villager will join the smoke brigade, continuing the vigil against new fire hotspots. The villagers, including a sixty-year-old farmer with a weathered face, feel a sense of duty to protect their town.

The fires in the Ambroz Valley have caused extensive damage, affecting a large portion of the region. Politicians have been criticized for posing for photos while the state has allegedly failed during these fires. However, the villagers of Segura de Toro have shown that community spirit and determination can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Despite the hardships, the Ambroz Valley remains an environmental gem of the Extremadura region. The central square of Segura de Toro, adorned with a stone-carved namesake animal, stands as a symbol of the town's resilience and the beauty of the valley that surrounds it.

As the sun sets, the villagers can be seen climbing the steep slope to the promontory in silence, observing the surroundings. The villager being interviewed expresses a sense of loss after these extreme days, yet remains steadfast in their belief that they would have saved the village even if fire brigades were absent, administration didn't help, and they felt alone.

The story of Segura de Toro serves as a reminder of the power of community spirit and the resilience of small towns in the face of adversity. The villagers' actions demonstrate that even in the darkest of times, hope can be found in unity and determination.

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