European mobilization continues to confront the massive wildfires ravaging the Iberian Peninsula, with Germany announcing the deployment of 67 firefighters and 21 vehicles to Spain for a two-week mission.
In a related development, the German Embassy in Rabat revealed on its official Facebook page that Moroccan Canadair aircraft, initially dispatched to Portugal, have now joined firefighting operations in Spain, reinforcing international efforts to contain the flames.
Earlier, Portugal’s Ministry of Interior confirmed that Morocco responded to Lisbon’s request under bilateral cooperation mechanisms, sending two Canadair planes after two Portuguese aircraft broke down. This move underscores Morocco’s role as a key regional partner in facing escalating climate-related threats.
Spain, however, faces a more complex situation, as the fires have spread since early August, destroying more than 343,000 hectares of forests and natural land—the worst toll in decades. The blazes have forced the suspension of high-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia, the closure of major highways, and the evacuation of over 30,000 residents.
The fires have also claimed four lives, including both civilians and firefighters, while injuring dozens more.
To confront this environmental disaster, Spanish authorities have deployed more than 3,000 personnel from military emergency units, supported by firefighting aircraft and advanced equipment. Madrid has also received extensive European logistical backing, while investigations led to the arrest of 32 suspects and questioning of more than 90 others on charges related to deliberately setting fires.
