Spanish firefighters have warned they are “helpless” ahead of a high-risk forest fire season. Unions warned that Andalusia has the “lowest number of active forest fighters in decades”, while extreme weather could lead to one of the most dangerous seasons in decades.
A combination of high rains and extreme temperatures has created a perfect storm. Andalusian president, Juan Manuel Moreno, warned of a “difficult summer” given the abundant rainfall has generated much more herbaceous vegetation in some forests, which, with the heat and dryness, is already turning into tinder, facilitating the spread of fires.
According to Raul Mena, general secretary of the Working Council of Workers at the Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA), Firefighters are feeling “helpless” with a lack of resources and coordination.
A spokesperson from Infoca Movement said: “In most of the checkpoints, which should have seven people, we have three or four.
“There has been a lack of planning and organisation of the operation when they have had months to do so calmly. With all of this, the first thing that is compromised is our safety.”
The Regional Government is believed to have a budget of €257 million and 4,700 personnel to fight the blazes this summer with to the Forest Fire Plan (Infoca).
Spanish news outlet Olive Press reports that Andalusia activated a ‘high risk’ warning for forest fires on June 1, which will last right through the summer until October 15.
Mr Moreno called on residents through X in a post captioned: “The high-risk period for forest fires has begun. We ask for your help and maximum cooperation with the INFOCA plan please.”
In Spanish, he began by asking the residents of Andalusia not to leave waste, light fires or have barbeques if they visit the countryside.
He added: “If you see something suspicious, or if you see smoke, call the fire service. Every minute sooner the call can be made is a possibility to put out the fire as quickly as possible.”