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Heroes from Lower Saxony: Firefighters return to Spain!
14 firefighters from Lower Saxony are returning to Celle after a successful forest fire operation in Spain.
Heroes from Lower Saxony: Firefighters return to Spain!
The 14 firefighters from Lower Saxony received a warm welcome today as they returned after a six-day mission to fight devastating forest fires in Spain. They were welcomed with joy, hugs and applause at the courtyard of the Lower Saxony State Office for Fire and Disaster Control (NLBK) in Celle. Even though the return was marked by relief, the emergency services felt the impressions of the operation, which required demanding work in challenging terrain at altitudes of up to 2,000 meters, as firefighter Kjell Petersen reports. The NDR adds that the firefighters in the Extremadura region, who arrived on August 19, were able to count on support from local forces who provided them with refreshing drinking water.
On Sunday, the emergency services experienced a particularly challenging situation when the village of La Baña was under acute threat. Together with Spanish soldiers and firefighting aircraft, they managed to extinguish the fire in time and thus protect the residents. The collaboration was fruitful and was praised by platoon leader Konstantin Skubowius, who highlighted the gratitude of the Spanish population, who warmly welcomed the firefighters for their heroic efforts.
Dedicated commitment and European solidarity
Lower Saxony's Interior Minister Daniela Behrens honored the courageous emergency services for their dedicated service in disaster control and emphasized the importance of European cooperation in such crises. Such initiatives are indispensable, considering that almost 15,000 hectares were in flames in recent operations in the region, as the Nordsee-Zeitung report. Lower Saxony is well positioned and has four special forest fire units that are ready for action in various regions.
The emergency services used two tank fire engines and a command car during their operation and belonged to the GFFF-V contingent (Ground Forest Firefighting using Vehicles). In total, almost 70 special forces from Germany were mobilized to help in Spain, and the return of these firefighters is an important sign of solidarity among European nations.
The assignment in Spain is seen not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity for each individual in the group to demonstrate their skills. “It was nice to be able to help,” said a firefighter at the reception. The gratitude and respect they received from Spanish citizens expressed a strong bond that transcends national borders.