The town of Niebla in Huelva bid farewell this Sunday with applause and cheers to the members of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME). The military personnel have started their withdrawal following a strenuous fight against the forest fire that broke out on August 6th in the Raboconejo area, impacting over 40,000 hectares.
The Niebla City Council, via its social media, expressed gratitude for the UME's dedication and effort during the intensive workdays. "It's time to say goodbye to those who were by our side when we needed them most," stated the council, highlighting the personnel's work "amidst smoke, flames, and exhaustion" to protect the environment and residents.
“"Niebla will never forget that when the fire pressed hard, you were here. Farewell, UME. And thank you for so much."
The council emphasized that the UME leaves behind in Niebla "the affection, respect, and gratitude of an entire town," in addition to their professional and brave work. The farewell concluded with an emotional message of thanks for their presence during the most critical moments.
Currently, a total of 135 professionals continue ground-based fire control efforts, supported by eight aerial resources. The fire, now in its tenth day, has covered 210 kilometers of perimeter. The Infoca Plan has indicated that the deployment includes five fire engines, a Medical Unit for Forest Fires (UMIF), a Meteorology and Communications Unit (UMMT), two Technical Office modules, and eight bulldozers.
The aerial resources deployed consist of six helicopters (one command, one light, two semi-heavy, and two heavy) and two air tankers. The stabilization of the fire has allowed the Operational Situation of the Special Civil Protection Plan for Forest Fires to be downgraded from Level 2 to Level 1.
