The Spanish Armed Forces improve Operation ‘Centinela Gallego 25’ capabilities to increase wildfire preventive measures

•  In response to the proliferation of wildfires in Galicia, the Ministry of Defence of Spain is increasing the number of military units and resources involved in this operation to increase the effort to assist the civil authorities

On 15th August, Operation ‘Centinela Gallego 25’ began with the deployment of 35 patrols, made up of members of the Spanish Army and Navy, to monitor the Galician mountains and thus providing assistance in the prevention of wildfires through presence and deterrence activities.

Only one day later, and due to the serious increase in forest fires in the Autonomous Community of Galicia, the Spanish Armed Forces deployed 12 additional land patrols within the framework of this operation: 10 belong to the 7th Galicia Brigade (BRILAT VII in Spanish), and the other two to the Marine Corps of the Northern Regiment (Tercio Norte or TERNOR in Spanish).

Regarding the territorial deployment, the ten ‘BRILAT VII’ patrols will operate in the Viana do Bolo region, located in the province of Ourense, while the two ‘TERNOR’ patrols will be stationed in the region of Noia, in the south of the province of A Coruña. The aim is to adjust the patrols’ efforts in their respective areas to adapt themselves to the current risk assessment.

On the other hand, and in support of the largest group deployed in the region known as the ‘Halcón’ zone (‘hawk’ in English), situated in the province of Ourense, command and control and logistical capabilities will be deployed to meet any needs that may arise.

Upon this increase in capabilities, around 200 military personnel are deployed in the Galician mountains to carry out the mission of surveillance and deterrence against wildfires and to support regional institutions and under the operations control of the Commander of the Operations Command (CMOPS in Spanish).

Due to the serious situation caused by widespread wilfires in the north-west of the Iberian peninsula, numerous units of the Army, more specifically, the Land Force (FUTER in Spanish), are also providing support with personnel and resources to the firefighting work being carried out by the Military Emergency Unit (UME), mainly contributing with caterpillar bulldozer and transport vehicles. Preparations are in place to increase support when needed, a sign of unwavering commitment to serving Spain of the Spanish Armed Forces, which are fully dedicated to providing assistance to the civil authorities, especially in public safety and emergencies.

‘The Spanish Armed Forces’ support for the authorities is a vocation that transcends the uniform,’ says General Alfonso Pardo de Santayana y Galbis, Chief of the ‘Galicia Force’ and the 7th ‘Galicia’ Brigade (BRILAT VII). ‘They also demonstrate their ability to deal with crises of any kind, as well as their readiness, precision and efficiency in carrying out their missions’. Furthermore, in reference to the military personnel deployed under his command, General Pardo de Santayana emphasises that for his men and women ‘it is an inestimable boost to be able to collaborate with the civil authorities and the State Security Forces and Corps in the fight against the terrible fires ravaging Galicia. Our military personnel are highly trained and motivated. We will strive and do our utmost to fulfil our mission for our fellow citizens, to whom we are indebted and who are our raison d'être’.