A large part of that money will go directly toward reinforcing the firefighting operation. Aragon will add four Mike-type heavy helicopters, increasing the fleet from three to seven, as well as two Fire Boss amphibious aircraft, six water tenders and three heavy machines. Several million euros will be invested in these new air and ground resources alone, with the aim of improving speed and response capacity in the event of major wildfires.
President Azcón during Thursday's plenary session of the Cortes of Aragon. Photo: Fabián Simón
MORE THAN 200 NEW PROFESSIONALS
The reinforcement will also involve personnel. The regional government plans to add more than 200 people, representing an increase of approximately 30% compared with the operation deployed this summer. Nearly 100 professionals will join to operate and support the new resources, while another 100 will be distributed among 15 ground crews. Overall, the increase in personnel will represent an investment of €11.5 million.
That will be supplemented by €5 million annually for three years to build and improve ground-crew bases and expand air-transported crews. In addition, €6.5 million will be allocated to the Plan to Promote Timber Harvesting and Forestry Operations, focused on clearing woodland and reducing vegetation fuel.
AID FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE WILDFIRES
The package announced also includes €8.6 million to mitigate fire damage. Some €2.1 million in aid will be made available for professional farmers and livestock breeders, along with another €3 million for the self-employed and small and medium-sized businesses. The Government of Aragon also says it will compensate farmers who took part in firefighting operations for the use of machinery and the diesel fuel consumed.
The remainder of that allocation consists of €3 million already earmarked for homes, roads, infrastructure and municipal facilities, as well as half a million euros to repair and reinforce water supply networks in affected municipalities. Azcón said the package, worth more than €51 million, pursues three objectives: repairing damage, compensating those affected and improving prevention and firefighting capacity in the face of future wildfires.
