The summer of 2025 has been especially devastating for Extremadura, where wildfires have destroyed more than 45,000 hectares between August 1 and 21, according to estimates from the European Commission’s European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) of Copernicus. Among the most severe incidents is the Jarilla fire, which has burned more than 17,000 hectares in the province of Cáceres.
These fires have had a devastating impact on the region’s flora and fauna, affecting habitats of high ecological value that could take up to 70 years to regenerate. In this context, the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) Dehesa de Extremadura and the extensive farming of Iberian pigs play a crucial role in ecosystem recovery.
The fires have also dealt a heavy blow to the Iberian pig farming and ham production industry, as the loss of holm oaks and cork oaks—an essential source of acorns during the montanera season—compromises the animals’ natural feeding. In addition, the destruction of pastures and enclosures limits the ability of livestock farms to continue their activity, endangering the livelihood of many families who depend directly on the Iberian pig sector.
Ecosystem regeneration is reinforced by the combination of sustainable land management, vegetation control through extensive grazing, and practices certified by the PDO Dehesa de Extremadura. These mechanisms contribute to the recovery of critical habitats, the restoration of biodiversity, and the reduction of future fire risks, positioning the dehesa as an example of environmental planning and territorial resilience.
