Armed Forces push for increased cooperation with the civilian population to tackle wildfires more effectively

Armed Forces Recognised for Summer Firefighting Efforts

Margarita Robles, the Minister of Defense, paid a visit to the FAMET base in Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, on Monday, to acknowledge the Armed Forces' commendable efforts during the summer wildfires.

General Amador Enseñat, the Chief of Staff of the Army, was present during the Minister's visit.

The summer fires in Spain reached an alarming scale, burning an area equivalent to Mallorca or half of the Canary Islands. Remarkably, the fires in August burned six times more than normal.

The deployment of different units of the Armed Forces to fight the fires involved 208 military personnel from the FAMET and 11 helicopters. The FAMET helicopters carried out nearly 550 hours of flight during the deployment, primarily in August.

The two pilots who were on the front line of the fire intervention felt helpless upon arrival but expressed pride in being part of the extinction device and helping the population. The personnel of the FAMET noted the difficulty of the days due to the lack of visibility and the simultaneity of fires concentrated in the northwest zone of the peninsula. They also highlighted the need for improved coordination with civilian emergency services.

Robles thanked the FAMET personnel for their risky work, dedication, and discipline during the fires. She emphasised the importance of teamwork and coordination in the Armed Forces' response to emergencies.

The Minister of Defense praised the work of the FAMET, recalling that the Armed Forces have been up to the task during the tragedy of the summer fires. She expressed pride in being able to count on the professionalism and empathy of the FAMET personnel.

Coordination of military efforts during the summer wildfires was typically managed by national civil protection agencies or ministries of defense collaborating closely with civilian emergency services to ensure effective cooperation.

Robles' visit to the FAMET base was a recognition of the Armed Forces' efforts during the summer fires. The Minister's words serve as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the FAMET personnel in the face of adversity.

Armed Forces push for increased cooperation with the civilian population to tackle wildfires more effectively