Bédar Fire Victims Form Civic Platform as Mayor Urges Visitors to Return

Twenty-one days after the fire that claimed 13 lives and burned 7,000 hectares, residents of Bédar and Los Gallardos are mobilizing for recovery. The disaster, the deadliest in Andalusia in living memory, has spurred two parallel responses: a citizen-led initiative to prevent future tragedies and an official plea to sustain the local economy.

Citizen initiative

A group of affected residents has created the 'Bedar Fire Working Group' to analyze the fire's management and propose solutions. Spokesperson Celeste Picken stressed the group's focus on prevention rather than blame: 'Queremos hacer algo, la sociedad clama por soluciones. Este ha sido el tercer fuego importante que sufre la zona, y cada uno ha ido a peor' Source: infobae. The platform plans to examine alert systems, firefighting resources, and preventive plans, and will seek input from farmers, environmentalists, and institutions Source: infobae.

Economic plea

Mayor Ángel Luis Collado of Bédar launched a video urging tourists not to abandon the area. 'Que no dejen de venir, los necesitamos,' he said, emphasizing that local businesses are ready to welcome visitors Source: elconfidencial. He noted that the town, home to many retired foreigners, relies on summer tourism: 'Visitar Bédar es una forma de ayudar a sus vecinos' Source: elconfidencial. All evacuees have returned, but some homes were destroyed and many are covered in ash.

The platform plans a general meeting for all affected residents, while the mayor continues to appeal for solidarity to help Bédar 'volver a levantarse' Source: elconfidencial.