Valencian Forest Firefighters Report Staffing Shortages Amid High-Risk Fire Season

• The Valencian Forest Fire Service reports severe staffing shortages, threatening fire suppression capabilities and worker safety during the high-risk fire season.
• Some operational units are working with up to 60% fewer personnel than required.
• Unions argue that the implementation of a new three-shift schedule in 2026 has exacerbated existing staffing gaps.

Operational Impact

• Unions (CCOO and CGT) highlight that the third shift (C-shift) is critically understaffed, forcing available personnel to work excessive hours.
• During a July 10 fire in Llucena, commanders requested four full units (24 firefighters) but only 12 were available.
• Many units across northern Castelló operated at 50% capacity, with some remote units having only one or two firefighters present, despite a requirement of six per unit.
• Firefighters are frequently exceeding the legal 12-hour maximum intervention limit, creating significant safety risks.

Systemic Deficiencies

• Labor representatives report a chronic deficit of approximately 250 personnel, worsened by inefficient hiring processes and a lack of transparent planning.
• Aerial-transport units are also understaffed; one reported only two out of six required members on July 22.
• Equipment issues are widespread, with aging fleet vehicles often out of service for repairs and procurement delays of over a year for new equipment due to poor planning.

Government vs. Union Perspectives

• The Valencian Generalitat claims to have the largest prevention and suppression operation in history, citing 4,400 professionals and a budget of 298.47 million euros.
• Union leaders dismiss these figures as mere rhetoric, arguing that allocated budgets are not being effectively executed and that the service lacks the professional, serious management required to address systemic failures.