Spain seeks EU assistance to battle devastating forest fires
In the face of wildfires spreading rapidly and have engulfed vast areas of the country, the Spanish government has made a formal requested to the European Union for emergency assistance.
On Wednesday evening, Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed in a radio interview with Cadena Ser that Madrid had activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, which coordinates joint emergency responses among EU member states.
“We submitted a formal request to the European Union this evening,” Grande-Marlaska said, noting that the request specifically sought the deployment of two specialized firefighting aircraft capable of tackling large-scale blazes.
The decision follows a day of intensifying fire conditions, as Spanish authorities reported the evacuation of nearly 6,000 residents from 26 villages at risk of being overtaken by flames.
The emergency crews are currently engaged in fierce efforts to contain 14 major wildfires, with the most severe outbreaks concentrated in the northern regions of the country.
Officials have expressed deep concern about worsening weather conditions, with high winds and soaring temperatures expected to fuel the spread of the fires. The EU assistance, once approved, is expected to significantly bolster firefighting capabilities and provide critical support to Spanish crews on the ground.
Spain, which frequently faces wildfire threats during its dry summer months, has experienced one of its most challenging fire seasons in recent years, with climate experts warning that prolonged drought and extreme heat are increasing the frequency and severity of such disasters.
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