# Spanish fire and security staffing updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-firefighter-staffing-shortages
> Updated: 2026-08-01T04:55:16.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 8.

Since the 2024 approval of Madrid’s “Plan 10 000”, which added 974 municipal security and emergency posts, the city has continued expanding its workforce. In 2026 the council approved a Public Employment Offer creating 1,583 general positions and another 974 security‑and‑emergency roles, bringing the total new municipal posts to 2,557. The hiring drive, managed through Madrid Talento, targets replacement of retirees, reduction of temporary contracts and reinforcement of services with both entry‑level and specialised staff such as nurses and psychologists.

However, unions say the increase has not met the mayor’s pledge to raise the firefighter force to 1,700 by the end of his term; the force remains at roughly 1,500, below legal minimums for two decades. Union representative David Gómez warned that personnel are covering gaps with marathon shifts and cancelled vacations. The shortfall persists despite broader staffing gains in fire, police and emergency services across Spain, including the Cádiz fire brigade’s near‑full staffing and the forest firefighting service’s new collective agreement.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: Madrid mayor's hiring plan fails to meet promised firefighter numbers

Madrid’s mayor promised 1,700 firefighters but the city still has about 1,500; meanwhile a record 2,557 municipal jobs were approved for 2026 to address staffing gaps.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madrid-mayors-hiring-plan-fails-to-meet-promised-firefighter-numbers

### 2026-07-17: Spanish Forest Firefighters Reach New Labor Agreement

Spain's forest firefighters signed a labor pact granting a 14% first‑year wage rise, new contracts and full‑year employment for many, aiming to improve response amid heightened summer fire risk.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-forest-firefighters-reach-new-labor-agreement

### 2026-07-16: Madrid council approves 974 security and emergency job openings

Madrid approved 974 new security and emergency jobs—448 police, 195 firefighters, 116 SAMUR staff—under its Plan 10 000, with 759 open‑competition slots and 215 internal promotions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/madrid-council-approves-974-security-and-emergency-job-openings

### 2026-07-09: Spain's CSIF union flags critical gaps in INFOCA wildfire prevention campaign

CSIF union warns the INFOCA high‑risk wildfire campaign in Andalusia suffers severe staffing and equipment shortfalls, urging immediate government action.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-csif-union-flags-critical-gaps-in-infoca-wildfire-prevention-campaign

### 2026-07-08: Alhendín adds police officer, targets eight officers by 2027

Alhendín (Spain) hired another local police officer, plans a second recruit and aims to have eight officers by early 2027, enhancing night patrols and public‑safety measures.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alhendn-adds-police-officer-targets-eight-officers-by-2027

### 2026-06-29: Spain expands municipal police and fire personnel across several regions

Madrid, Andalusia, Alcobendas and Málaga announce large hires for police, fire and emergency staff, while Madrid forest firefighters protest labor conditions.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alcobendas-police-force-reaches-221-officers-mlaga-fire-brigade-hits-306-staff

### 2026-06-24: Spanish firefighter unions warn of critical staffing shortages in Cádiz and Navarre

Spanish unions in Cádiz and Navarre report critical firefighter shortages, citing dozens of unfilled posts and understaffed fire parks amid heightened summer fire risk.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-firefighter-unions-warn-of-critical-staffing-shortages-in-cdiz-and-navarre

### 2026-06-18: Cádiz fire brigade to hire over 50 staff after salary raise

Cádiz fire brigade’s new salary deal adds €200/month to wages and launches hiring for 41 firefighters, 23 chiefs and other roles to close 50+ vacancies, funded by a €46 M 2026 budget.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cdiz-fire-brigade-to-hire-over-50-staff-after-salary-raise

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Cite as: Spanish fire and security staffing updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-firefighter-staffing-shortages