Around fifty firefighters from the Balearic Islands set off for the mainland on Tuesday morning to assist with the wildfires in Castilla y León. The contingent, assembled in record time following a request from the regional government, will travel in two convoys of 25 personnel each. The teams include firefighters, emergency and telecoms technicians, environmental officers, medical staff, and Civil Protection volunteers.
One convoy will depart Menorca by ferry, picking up additional personnel in Alcudia before heading to Barcelona, while the other will travel directly from Ibiza to Valencia. Both will meet at an intermediate point before proceeding to the affected region.
Pablo Gárriz, Director General of Emergencies and Interior, confirmed that an army helicopter also departed around 05:30 to León carrying a coordination team. He warned that the operation area is not yet secure and is likely to be in the Picos de Europa. A total of 21 vehicles, including two fire engines, an advanced life support ambulance, and several high-pressure vehicles, are being deployed, with medical vehicles supplied by SAMU 061.
Joan Fornàs, the island director of Emergencies, explained that eight firefighters from Mallorca were selected from 35 volunteers, many of whom were on holiday.
Firefighter Guillem Mas Ferrari said the teams aim to “support” those already on the ground, acknowledging that extinguishing the fires is extremely challenging due to weather and terrain. On volunteering, he added, “Solidarity is key; if we ever need help, we would hope for the same. Rapid coordination between regions is crucial.”