The Prime Minister of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, summed up Infoca's performance, when he addressed them after the wildfire season closed on the 1st of November
He said that their “rapid and effective response” had allowed 80% of the fires recorded throughout these months to be contained, despite adverse factors such as the extremely high temperatures recorded this summer, including two prolonged and severe heat waves.
The season had to be extended by 16 days, until October 31, due to the delayed autumn rains and the high temperatures in October. However, although the Infoca firefighting operation is active all year-round, we have entered into what is known as the low, fire-risk period, thanks to recent rainfall.
The total area affected by fires was 6,327 hectares (1,658 of woodland and 4,669 of scrubland), which is 2,618 hectares fewer than the average for the decade (8,945 hectares) and, therefore, a smaller area of land impacted. In total, Infoca has carried out 876 interventions in forest areas: 182 fires and 694 contained outbreaks (fires that are tackled before they could grow into a fully fledged wildfire).
“We can say that the 2025 season ended better than expected. Of the fires recorded, three reached the status of GIF (Large Forest Fire): those in Huércal in Almería, Burguillos, and Lubrín. And in 13 fires, the Infoca Plan had to be raised to the emergency phase, operational level 1, although all resulted in no personal injuries and minimal material damage,” the PM explained.
Speaking of the 4,700 firefighters and support staff involved, he said, “Once again, they risked their lives to protect our valuable natural heritage with their tenacity, professionalism, and determination.”
He also pointed out that Infoca also counted on crucial collaboration from other services, such as the Guardia Civil, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), 112 Andalusia, the GREA (Andalusian Forest Fire Response Group), Civil Protection Services, Policía Local, volunteers, the Red Cross, and town and provincial firefighters, among others.
According to the regional PM, Infoca will see its budget increased by almost 5% in 2026, reaching 272-million euros.
Furthermore, and importantly, PM Moreno mentioned the plan to extend contracts to 12 months for all seasonal workers in the operational team will be completed this year. “This is a long-standing demand from our forest firefighters and was agreed upon with the unions for full implementation over three years, but we will achieve it in just two, with a significant financial investment that our professionals certainly deserve,” he stated.
Lastly, two extra Infoca units will be created: a Heavy Machinery Unit and a Technical Fire Unit.
(News: Andalucia)
Keywords: Infoca, Wildfires, Fire Season, Budget, Acres Affected, Personnel, 12-Month Contracts, Heavy Machinery Unit
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