The recognition comes after an especially demanding summer marked by wildfires that have ravaged more than 44,000 hectares in Aragon, forcing nearly 1,800 people to evacuate and another 2,100 to shelter in place. Director General of Interior and Emergencies Miguel Ángel Clavero thanked the volunteers for their response and cooperation with professional teams during these emergencies.
"Each service has its own functions and responsibilities, but the response improves when we are all able to work together. Volunteers are like a Swiss Army knife: a group of people who help all professional operational services with whatever they need. They perform a multitude of tasks for which we train them," he said.
The Government of Aragon is responsible for promoting and coordinating Ravpcar, which comprises 36 county-level groups spread across virtually the entire region of Aragon. This year, the network has added a new group in La Litera and restored the activity of the Bajo Aragón-Alcañiz group.
"The groups help bring Civil Protection closer to citizens and improve response capacity, especially in rural areas, where distances and the characteristics of the territory can make it more difficult to provide assistance during an emergency," Clavero added.
MORE THAN 13,300 HOURS OF ACTIVITY AND 3,406 SERVICES IN ARAGON
Prevention accounts for a significant part of the work carried out by Civil Protection volunteers. So far, the groups have conducted 2,201 preventive services, dedicating 9,967 hours to them. Their duties include supporting information and outreach campaigns and assisting at large gatherings, sporting competitions and local festivals. This year, they also took part in the special operation organized for the August 12 eclipse.
Volunteers also intervene when an emergency arises, always under the chain of command and in coordination with operational groups and the relevant authorities. So far this year, they have devoted 2,648 hours to 1,117 ordinary emergency services and a further 739 hours to 88 operations responding to extraordinary emergencies, which require civil protection plans to be activated.
The wildfire season has been one of the biggest challenges of this summer. Between June and September, Aragon recorded 244 fires, five of them major wildfires covering more than 500 hectares. This figure is well above the historical average of one major wildfire a year recorded over the past two decades.
290,000 EUROS IN AID AND MORE THAN 300 HOURS OF TRAINING
In 2026, the Government of Aragon allocated 290,000 euros in grants for Civil Protection Volunteer Groups to cover operating and maintenance costs, as well as the purchase of materials and tools. It also organized 36 mandatory and specialized training courses, providing more than 300 hours of instruction. The subjects included new areas such as vehicle rescues in natural areas, logistical support during emergencies, and the organization and management of preventive events.
The Directorate General of Interior and Emergencies organizes the Congress of the Aragon Network of Civil Protection Volunteer Groups every year, with this year marking its 26th edition. The gathering allows members of the groups to share experiences, expand their training and discuss the work they carry out in their respective areas.
Saturday’s event in Mora de Rubielos is being held under the slogan «Our image represents us. Our commitment defines us.» The congress has addressed the responsibility and public image of volunteers, as well as experiences gained in the field and the importance of sharing them to improve responses to future emergencies. The program includes presentations, shared experiences and practical workshops.
