In recent weeks, large parts of southern Europe have been devastated by massive forest fires. Spain is currently suffering the consequences of at least three major fires.
Guadalajara, a province located in central Spain, has been the hardest hit. Eleven people were killed while attempting to put out a blaze that started burning on Saturday, 16 July. The fire, which is still not under control, has caused the evacuation of neighboring villages. The displaced people have been housed in temporary shelters or with relatives.
In addition to the major fire in Guadalajara, at least two other fires continue to burn in Gran Canaria and Cáceres. In all cases, Red Cross emergency systems are working closely with the relevant authorities. Dozens of ambulances, volunteers and medical staff are providing care to the affected population.
“More than 200 volunteers have been mobilized to handle these emergencies and provide care to those affected, from first aid care to psychological support,” said Francisco García Riesco, head of the Spanish Red Cross operation.
In Guadalajara, the Spanish Red Cross has been responding to the emergency from its onset. Several locations were evacuated and the Red Cross distributed relief materials including blankets, hygiene kits and food rations to affected families.
The Spanish Red Cross also mobilized two Immediate Response Teams to assist with psychosocial emergency intervention (ERIE). The teams, comprising more than 20 experts in psychological care, have provided psychosocial support to the family members of those who lost their lives in the fire. The team, made up of psychologists, social workers, qualified nursing personnel and emergency technicians, provided care to some 65 people.
Since their establishment, these emergency units have participated in a number of operations in Spain and elsewhere, including mountain rescues, road accidents, building explosions, the Madrid M-11 attacks or the recent tragic supermarket fire in Asunción (Paraguay).