Greek Canadairs battle Spain's largest wildfire on record

Two Greek Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft have joined the effort to combat destructive wildfires raging across Spain. The planes are operating under the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), demonstrating international solidarity in the face of severe environmental challenges.

Launched early Sunday, July 26, the Greek aircraft took off from the Torrejón military airport near Madrid. They are currently engaged in firefighting operations in the Burgohondo area, located in the province of Ávila, approximately 115 kilometers west of the Spanish capital. These operations are crucial in tackling one of the most difficult fire fronts the region has experienced in recent years.

The Greek Canadairs are expected to continue water-dropping missions throughout the day, bolstering the Spanish forces. Crews are working under challenging conditions, with high temperatures, drought, and strong winds exacerbating the fire's spread. Images and videos from the operation highlight the difficult circumstances faced by the pilots and ground crews.

Spain is grappling with an exceptionally severe fire season. The fire in Burgohondo has already consumed an estimated 50,000 hectares of forest land, with Spain's Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, Sara Aagesen, stating it is the largest wildfire recorded in the country since official records began. Since the start of the year, approximately 153,000 hectares have been destroyed, a figure six times higher than the same period in 2025. Authorities are prioritizing efforts around the San Juan reservoir to prevent flare-ups and potential spread northward.