Spanish regional emergency services criticised over earthquake readiness and wildfire response

Deputy Fernando Moreno of the Socialist Group in the Regional Assembly of Murcia warned that the region lacks the equipment, specialised tools and training needed to handle a major earthquake. He called for an audit of fire‑station resources, acquisition of geophones, drones, hydraulic supports and certified rescue training, noting that recent tremors of up to magnitude 4.1 highlighted the vulnerability of the Consorcio de Extinción de Incendios y Salvamento (CEIS).

In the Valencian Community, the PSPV‑PSOE demanded that the regional president and the minister of Emergencies, Juan Carlos Valderrama, appear before the Corts to explain the handling of the Vall d'Uixó wildfire that burned 9,568 hectares. Socialist spokesperson Alicia Andújar said the operation exposed the weakness of the regional fire service, alleging that 75 % of the personnel involved were from the national army and the Spanish government and that the regional authority had inflated response figures.

Both incidents illustrate growing political pressure on Spain’s autonomous emergency services to improve preparedness and transparency.