Firefighters in France and Spain are facing increasing pressure as massive wildfires continue to burn across both countries, fuelled by intense summer heat and changing weather conditions. The blazes have stretched emergency services, with crews working long hours to protect communities and contain fires that have already destroyed vast areas of land.
In France, where the majority of firefighters are volunteers, unions are calling for better pay, increased staffing, and stronger support after four firefighters lost their lives this summer. In Spain, many wildfire firefighters are employed on temporary seasonal contracts, prompting unions to demand permanent jobs, improved salaries, and year-round employment to strengthen firefighting and prevention efforts.
Firefighters and experts in both countries say greater investment in forest management is essential to reduce the impact of increasingly severe wildfires. Governments in France and Spain have announced increased funding for wildfire prevention and response, while authorities continue to deploy additional personnel as Europe experiences one of its most challenging wildfire seasons in recent years.
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