Andalucia has deployed dozens of specialist firefighters, aircraft and fire engines to help tackle ‘historic’ wildfires burning in Madrid and Castilla y Leon.
The Junta has sent 70 emergency personnel, two amphibious water-bombing planes, a helicopter and four fire engines as authorities struggle to bring the blazes under control.
Regional president Juanma Moreno announced the deployment on X, saying Andalucia would do everything possible to help with the unfolding emergency.
‘We are going to collaborate in every way possible in this catastrophe,’ he said, before sending ‘much encouragement from Andalucia’ to those affected.
Antonio Sanz, the region’s minister for emergencies, said the response demonstrated Andalucia’s commitment to helping other parts of Spain during major disasters.
‘Andalucia is once again where it is needed most,’ he said.
The operation is being coordinated through Plan Infoca, Andalucia’s specialist forest-fire prevention and extinction service.
The two amphibious aircraft will carry out water drops over the affected areas, while the helicopter will support aerial surveillance and rapid-response operations.
Four fire engines will also assist crews working on the ground, including in areas that are difficult to reach because of rough terrain.
The deployment follows recent Infoca operations outside Andalucia in Guadalajara, Puertollano and Albacete, all in Castilla-La Mancha.
The Junta added that Infoca’s experience dealing with recent large-scale blazes would help crews respond rapidly, protect vulnerable communities and limit environmental damage in the affected regions.
