Spanish crew tells of aerial firefighting efforts in Turkey

By Durmus Genc and Ali Riza Akkir

MUGLA, Turkey (AA) - Sent to Turkey to assist its fight against wildfires, a Spanish crew has played an important role in containing the fires affecting large areas of forestland.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Maj. Juan Borrego, field coordinator for the Spanish team, told about their experience in Turkey and how they joined efforts to douse fires in Marmaris, Milas, and Koycegiz in Mugla, southwestern Turkey.

Borrego applauded the coordination between his crew and Turkish units, saying they had 27 unit members, including five working in emergency management and 22 responsible for flights.

Noting that the crew had experience containing fires in their home country, he said the wildfires in Turkey were the largest ever the Spanish team has faced.

The team was impressed by Turks' hospitability, and enjoyed their time in Turkey, despite the reason for their presence, he said.

The Turkish coordination center did a good job given that there were several pilots of foreign origin working, and planes with different engines, capacities, and water-loading systems.

Reynaldo Fernandez Boyero, a firefighter pilot, said his aircraft was capable of carrying about six tons of water and that he would drop water on fires 15 times every day.

He helped contain wildfires in Koycegiz, along with those approaching a power plant in Milas, he said.

He said the wildfires were the largest he had ever encountered in almost a decade, adding that the Spanish crew was very sad to see how the flames burned large areas, forcing many people to evacuate villages.

According to the pilot, working with foreign pilots was also an educational experience, and they learned a great deal.

The fight against wildfires will continue until they are all brought under control, he said, adding they would gladly do their part.

The firefighting units start their operations at first light and work tirelessly without a break until nightfall, he said.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas