Volunteers for forest fire prevention and firefighting in Catalonia

The Forest Defence Groups (ADF) of Catalonia are volunteer organisations funded by the regional government that specialise in the prevention and extinguishing of forest fires. Originating from mutual aid networks amongst farmers, they were formally established in the late 1960s and 1970s, particularly in Central Catalonia. In 1986, an executive order regulated their creation and set out their objectives: to support prevention, manage fire-fighting operations and promote the restoration of affected areas. Today, they operate across most of Catalonia, with over 3,000 volunteers, and serve as an effective governance mechanism that enhances resilience to forest fires in rural areas. Their creation was a response to the need for a collective response to fires, given the lack of specialised services in rural areas and the high cost of firefighting. The fire on Montserrat Mountain in 1986 drew institutional attention to the issue, highlighting the environmental, aesthetic and religious values at stake.