Government asserted possession of 56 aircraft for firefighting operations, alleging that opposing party, PP, divulged "misleading data"
Spain Bolsters Firefighting Efforts for Summer 2025
This summer, Spain is stepping up its firefighting resources to combat severe wildfires, particularly in the northwestern region of Galicia. The government has deployed additional troops and a fleet of aerial means, including water-bombing aircraft, to help combat the record-breaking blazes.
Aerial Means and Troop Deployment
According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, the summer campaign of 2025 will involve 56 aerial means and 10 reinforced helitransported brigades (BRIF). The government has 56 aircraft available for the firefighting campaign, with the addition of a contract for more aerial means, totalling the state's 56 means of the state device.
The deployment includes 10 large-capacity amphibious aircraft, 5 medium-capacity amphibious aircraft, 6 medium-capacity land cargo aircraft, 4 coordination and observation aircraft, 1 heavy fire-fighting helicopter, 26 medium transport and water-dropping helicopters, and 4 light transport and water-dropping helicopters. These aerial means are strategically located throughout the territory and can intervene anywhere in Spain.
Budget and Increased Funding
The Ministry has increased its budget for 2025 for forest fire extinction by 29%, reaching 109.3 million euros. The summer campaign has 45 million euros, an 11% increase from 2024, while the winter/spring campaign received 8 million euros, a 68% increase from 2024.
European Cooperation and Political Debate
Spain is actively pursuing strengthened civil protection, including ideas for a European Emergency Unit, building on national expertise. The government has also requested a module with two large-capacity water-bombing aircraft from the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
Political figures have also been involved in the debate, with Manueco criticizing Puente for trivializing the suffering of fires. The Government has also accused the PP of spreading false information about the number of aircraft.
International Aid and Ongoing Efforts
Spain has received international aid, with firefighting units from Germany joining efforts. The government recognizes the increasing frequency and intensity of fire seasons due to climate change and is exploring stronger civil protection measures. The activation of these means is done at the request of the autonomous communities based on the severity of the fire.
[1] International aid joins firefighting efforts in Spain [2] Spain deploys additional troops to combat wildfires [3] Spain proposes European Emergency Unit for disaster management [4] Government denies PP's claims about reduced number of aircraft for firefighting campaign
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