Spain Seeks EU Water-Bombers as Wildfires Strain National Fleet

Spain has appealed to fellow European Union members for emergency assistance as wildfires continue to burn in several regions, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said on Wednesday. Madrid has formally asked for two Canadair water-bombing aircraft from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, citing strained national firefighting resources after consecutive days of high temperatures and strong winds. Grande-Marlaska told broadcaster Cadena SER that additional support is critical to prevent further damage and protect communities near active fire fronts. The request activates established European mutual-aid protocols that allow countries to deploy specialised equipment and personnel across borders during natural disasters. Spain has frequently provided similar assistance to neighbours in past fire seasons, and officials said they expect a rapid response once aircraft are reassigned from other EU fleets.