EU mobilises 49 firefighters and experts from Spain to support response to wildfires in Bolivia

As Bolivia is battling record numbers of wildfires, the EU has mobilised firefighters and expert teams from Spain to assist the Bolivian authorities in their response. Deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the teams arrived in Bolivia on Saturday, where they were welcomed by the Bolivian president and foreign minister. 

Thanks to the collaboration with the Spanish authorities, a ground team composed of 41 firefighters has been deployed to the department of Santa Cruz, where they will work with local teams operating in Chiquitanía. Additionally, a Forest Firefighting Assessment and Advisory Team, composed of 8 experts, will support the local authorities in the analysis of the wildfires and the management of incidents.

To further help in the response to the wildfires, the EU is activating the Copernicus Emergency Satellite Mapping Service. The maps will support the work of firefighters in the area of Monte Verde.

In past weeks, Bolivia has experienced a spike in wildfires, notably in the central department of Santa Cruz. A national emergency was declared earlier this month. Around 4 million hectares have burnt since the beginning of the year, causing severe damages and environmental loss.

In 2019 and 2023, the EU also deployed experts and firefighters under the Mechanism to help Bolivia fight wildfires.