Firefighters from Bonn, Düsseldorf, Leverkusen, Königswinter, and Ratingen en route to battle forest fires in Spain.
German Wildfire Module Continues to Battle Forest Fire in Extremadura
The German Wildfire Module, led by two commanders who flew to Madrid to coordinate with Spanish authorities, has been deployed in Spain's Extremadura province since August 21, 2025. The unit has been working tirelessly to contain a forest fire that has been causing concern in the region.
On Thursday, 40 personnel and 8 fire engines were deployed to continue the work from the previous day in two separate deployment areas. The day shift forces focused on searching for and extinguishing hotspots on the southwest flank of the forest fire, while tactical fires (backfires) were used by Spanish forces to contain the fire.
After around 9 hours of work, the forces returned, and the night deployment was waived due to the difficult terrain. The deployment sites were handed over to the local authorities in the evening. Spanish authorities deemed it crucial to prevent a re-ignition of the affected areas, and the work was strenuous and primarily done with hand tools due to difficult terrain and changing, gusty winds.
On Wednesday morning, approximately 20 personnel and 7 fire engines were deployed to combat a nearby forest fire. No new information about the return or night deployment of forces has been provided. Personnel used axes, picks, and shovels to separate burned areas from unburned areas and lay out control lines.
The Base of Operations for the German Wildfire Module was established in Aldaenueva del Camino, Spain, on a soccer field of the local sports center. No new information about the number of personnel or fire engines currently deployed or the location of the base of operations has been released.
Despite the challenges, the forest fire in the province of Extremadura has been successfully contained, and the further spread has been prevented. The German Wildfire Module will define the deployment area for the following day in the morning. No new information about the handover of deployment sites to local authorities has been provided.
