The Government of the Balearic Islands has sent a relief contingent to Castilla y León to assist in extinguishing, rescue, and recovery operations in areas affected by the wildfires devastating the region. The operation has been coordinated by the General Directorate of Emergencies and Interior, mobilising resources in record time after receiving an urgent request for support from the Junta of Castilla y León.

Balearic contingent fighting fires in Castilla León

Photos: CAIB.

Deployment of the Balearic Contingent

  • Total personnel: 47

  • By islands:

    • Majorca: 35 personnel

      • Palma City Firefighters: 8

      • Majorca Island Council Firefighters: 8

      • Environmental Agents: 2

      • IBANAT and Operational Emergencies Unit Technicians: 3

      • General Directorate of Emergencies Technician: 1

      • Systems and Telecommunications Emergency Technicians: 2

      • Sampol Company: 1

      • SAMU061: 5

      • Civil Protection Volunteers: Llucmajor 3, Montuïri 2, Vilafranca 1, Porreres 1, Lloseta 1

    • Ibiza: 7 personnel

      • Ibiza Island Council Firefighters: 4

      • Operational Emergencies Unit Agent: 1

      • Civil Protection Volunteers Sant Antoni de Portmany: 2

    • Menorca: 5 personnel

      • Menorca Island Council Firefighters: 4

      • Operational Emergencies Unit Agent: 1

  • Vehicles deployed: 21

    • Majorca: 16

    • Ibiza: 3

    • Menorca: 2

    • Types: heavy vehicles with fire engines, firefighting pick-ups, light vehicles with equipment and supplies, advanced life support ambulance, medical vehicle, portable telecommunications station.

  • Command units:

    • On-site in León: 3 technicians (Emergencies, Operational Unit, Environment), light vehicle and transport helicopter

    • Coordination Centre in Palma: 5 personnel

Departure towards Barcelona and Valencia

This morning, the personnel departed from Majorca, Ibiza, and Menorca using the ships provided by Baleària to Barcelona and Valencia, before heading to León. According to Pablo Gárriz, Director General of Emergencies and Interior, the contingent may be assigned to the northern area of León, near the Picos de Europa, although the exact location will be adjusted depending on the evolution of the fires.

Balearic contingent fighting fires in Castilla León

The Government has emphasised that this mobilisation is carried out in solidarity with other autonomous communities, without compromising the emergency response capacity in the Balearic Islands. “We are supportive as an Autonomous Community, but also responsible regarding the risk situation in our islands,” stated Pablo Gárriz.

Balearic contingent fighting fires in Castilla León