The Regional Government of Castile and León has taken a further step in modernizing its forest fire fighting equipment with the incorporation of 12 fire engines with a capacity of 4.000 liters to the INFOCAL operation. This delivery represents a significant reinforcement of ground resources just before the months of greatest risk, with a clear focus on the safety of the teams and the protection of the natural environment.
These new units are part of a broader renewal plan, which includes the replacement of 27 fire engines throughout the year This raises the modernization level of the Regional Government's own fleet to 95%. With this move, the Ministry of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Planning is consolidating a strategy that combines sustained investment, technological improvements, and environmental sustainability criteria.
Million-dollar investment and fleet renewal schedule
The acquisition of these first 12 vehicles has meant a investment of 7,23 million eurosThis batch, financed with European FEDER funds, is entirely dedicated to strengthening the INFOCAL fire prevention and suppression operation. It is part of a larger package of 27 new fire engines that will be progressively incorporated into the various territorial services of the Community.
Since 2015, the regional government has maintained a consistent policy of renewing its resources, which translates into the purchase of 62 fire trucks for fighting forest fires. The accumulated investment to date in this type of vehicle reaches 19,94 millones de euros, a figure that includes the incorporation of the 27 units planned for the current year.
In the operation as a whole, they have been renewed or are in the process of being renewed 89 of the 94 fire engines which make up the Junta's own fleet. This volume of replacements puts the renewal rate at around 95%, bringing the modernization of the entire fleet to the limit and significantly reducing dependence on trucks with many years of service.
The Minister of the Environment, Housing and Territorial Planning, Juan Carlos Suárez-Quiñones, emphasizes that this budget allocation is part of an ongoing line of work, focused on Strengthening the material resources of INFOCAL, improve the working conditions of professionals and respond with greater guarantees to the increasingly complex fires occurring in the region.
Distribution by provinces and reinforcement of the INFOCAL operation
The 12 new 4.000-liter fire engines are not concentrated in a single territory, but are distributed throughout the Community to to balance the coverage of the INFOCAL operationThe provincial distribution of these first units is as follows: three vehicles for the province of Ávila, two for Burgos, two for León, one for Salamanca, one for Segovia, two for Soria and one for Zamora.
With this territorial allocation, the Regional Government aims to reinforce those fire engine depots that had older vehicles or vehicles with greater wear and tear due to their intensive use in previous campaigns, especially in areas with a high incidence of forest firesIn this way, the aim is for the entire autonomous system to have homogeneous and up-to-date resources.
These 12 units are just the first part of a larger package of 27 fire trucks These vehicles are scheduled for this year and will be completed with a further delivery before the start of the High Hazard Season. In this later phase, three larger vehicles with 5.000-liter tanks will also be added, designed for operations requiring an extra supply of water.
This fleet renewal is part of the Board's overall strategy to equip INFOCAL with more modern, versatile and secure means, in response to an increasingly demanding fire season due to the combination of climate change, fuel accumulation in the mountains and prolonged drought episodes.
Reduction of average age and modernization of the fleet
One of the most visible effects of the arrival of these new fire engines is the drastic reduction of the Middle Ages of the vehicles intended for firefighting. Before starting this renewal process, the average age of the fire engines was around eight years, and in 2015 that figure rose to fifteen.
With the entry into service of the 27 new trucks planned for this year, the average age will drop to 4,3 yearsThis places the regional fleet at a level of modernity rarely seen in this type of operation. The regional government's fire engine fleet comprises 94 units, 89 of which will have been replaced or modernized by the time the current acquisition phase is complete.
This rejuvenation of vehicles not only impacts mechanical reliability, but also aspects such as fuel consumption, emissions reduction, active and passive safety and ergonomics for the teams working in the field. Newer vehicles mean less susceptibility to breakdowns during operations and better adaptation to current technical requirements.
Regional authorities insist that this level of renewal reflects a stable commitment, beyond a one-off investment, with the aim of ensuring that the firefighting operation can always count on updated and in optimal condition of use, something fundamental when dealing with forest emergencies that can evolve rapidly.
Improved design with input from INFOCAL staff
One of the unique features of these new fire engines is that their final design is not solely based on factory specifications. The Regional Ministry has worked closely with the company itself. INFOCAL operation personnel, which has conveyed to the winning companies the needs and shortcomings detected in previous years during the firefighting efforts.
This collaboration has allowed for adjustments to the layout of spaces, access to controls, equipment placement, and the way certain maneuvers are performed. The result is vehicles with ergonomic improvements Clear improvements: the interior of the cabin has been optimized, the placement of materials has been facilitated, and the recommendations of the prevention services regarding postures, efforts, and associated risks have been taken into account.
The direct experience of forest firefighters has been key to adapting these trucks to the realities of the mountains, where the terrain is uneven, time is of the essence, and any detail can make the difference. versatility and maneuverability These aspects have been specially worked on, taking into account the scenarios in which these fire engines operate.
Looking ahead to future upgrades, the Board plans to continue using this collaborative approach with end users, with the idea that each new generation of vehicles will incorporate practical learning and not be limited to a mere standard catalog technology update.
Advances in safety for firefighting equipment
The new fire engines include a comprehensive package of innovations aimed at strengthening the safety of frontline staff during forest fires. Among the incorporated elements, the presence of a carbon monoxide detector in the cabin stands out, designed to alert in situations of potentially dangerous atmospheres.
Each truck is also equipped with a system of assisted breathing with maskDesigned to offer greater protection to personnel in operations where smoke, gases, or poor visibility increase the risk. These devices complement other measures such as the emergency pump shutdown from the cab itself, allowing for an immediate response in case of incidents with the water pumping system.
In order to facilitate maneuvers in low visibility conditions, the perimeter lighting of the vehicles. This system is especially helpful in nighttime operations, reversing movements, or in areas with obstacles, reducing the likelihood of accidents in complex and poorly lit terrain.
In addition, the fire engines incorporate a system of tire pressure warning integrated into the instrument panelwhich helps prevent incidents associated with inadequate pressures and improve vehicle stability on forest tracks, where terrain conditions change rapidly.
Driving aids and environmental control
Along with direct personnel protection measures, the new trucks include a series of advanced driver assistance systems These systems aim to minimize human error and make driving easier in complex environments. They include side and front radars for detecting obstacles in the vehicle's immediate surroundings.
These radars work in combination with a reversing camera This provides greater control of the rear of the truck, which is especially useful when maneuvering on narrow tracks, at loading docks, or in close proximity to other vehicles and personnel. All of this aims to increase safety during daily operations, not only during fires but also during transport and logistics activities.
The incorporation of these technological aids places the new fire engines in line with the latest trends in road and workplace safety, applied to the specific field of forest fire extinguishingThe combination of sensors, cameras, and in-cabin warnings provides the driver with more information and reaction time in critical moments.
According to the Regional Ministry, this reinforcement of passive and active safety is one of the central pillars of the renewal, understanding that the modernization of the fleet must also translate into a risk reduction for human teams that operate on the ground in each campaign.
Operational improvements in water and foam concentrate loading
Beyond safety, these fire engines have been designed to facilitate daily work with water and the products used in interventions. A significant new feature is the Installation of an assisted solenoid valve on the side of the truck, which simplifies and makes the loading operation safer.
This system ensures that water can only be added when the pressure is adequate, preventing issues such as cavitation or potential damage to the pumping system. Furthermore, it guarantees proper filling from hydrants, other vehicles, or available networks, thus speeding up response times in emergency situations where every minute counts.
Another highlight is the new method for filling the foam concentrate tank, which allows the operation to be carried out without needing to access the vehicle roofThis modification directly impacts the prevention of occupational risks, reducing exposure to falls from heights or slips during reloading in situations of haste or adverse weather conditions.
These improvements are in addition to the existing capacity of the water reservoirs, which is set at 4.000 liters for this batchwith plans to soon add three 5.000-liter trucks that will complement the fleet with a larger cargo volume, especially useful in environments with difficult supply.
Technical characteristics and performance in forest terrain
From a technical point of view, the new fire engines are mounted on chassis RENAULT TRUCKS model D14 HIGH K R4X4 280E6Equipped with a EURO VI E certified diesel engine and 280 horsepower. The exhaust system is vertical and features an Optibrake engine retarder, designed to improve control on descents and steep terrain.
The vehicles have a main fuel tank of 4.000 liters of waterTo this will soon be added the three 5.000-liter units that will complete the delivery before the High Hazard Season. The design of the front bumper has been modified to achieve an approach angle of 35 degrees, thus complying with the UNE 1846 grade 3 standard, which clearly improves its performance on tracks and difficult roads.
To protect the most exposed parts during off-road driving, the lower part of the trucks has been reinforced, so that the The undercarriage is protected from bumps and scrapes with stones, roots, or other obstacles common in rough terrain. This shielding reduces the risk of damage to sensitive components located in the lower area.
The wheelbase has been set at the minimum allowed for a 4.000 liter fire engineThis adjustment prioritizes maneuverability in forest environments. It facilitates tight turns on narrow tracks and access to areas where larger or less agile trucks would have difficulty entering or exiting safely.
Commitment to sustainability and the circular economy
The renewal of fire engines is not limited to improving performance and safety, but also incorporates a clear focus on reduction of environmental impactDiesel engines comply with EURO VI regulations, which means lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to previous generations of vehicles.
Furthermore, the very design of the trucks has taken into account criteria of circular economyAccording to data provided by the Ministry, approximately 85% of the components of these vehicles are recyclable, and the use of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury or cadmium has been avoided in their manufacture, in line with European environmental requirements.
Waste management throughout the entire lifespan of the fire engines and once it has ended will be carried out exclusively through Authorized workshops and servicesThis ensures proper handling of oils, filters, parts, and other materials that require specialized handling to avoid contamination.
With these measures, the Board seeks to align the fight against forest fires with the objectives of climate change mitigation and a transition towards more sustainable models, integrating into a single policy the protection of forests and the reduction of the impact of the means used for their defense.
New signage and coordination at the state level
Another new feature incorporated in these fire engines is their labeling adapted to the new coding established by state regulations. The vehicles comply with the provisions of Royal Decree 38/2026, of January 21, which regulates the instrumental coordination measures for the prevention, surveillance and extinction of forest fires throughout the national territory.
This common identification system facilitates the interoperability between autonomous communities and coordination of resources in situations where collaboration between different agencies is necessary. Uniformity in vehicle coding helps to quickly identify roles, capabilities, and equipment during large operations.
The updated labeling also has a practical impact on the daily management of the operation, by simplifying the tracking of resources and allowing better integration into the joint devices that are activated in episodes of extreme risk or large urban-forest interface fires.
Taken together, the arrival of these 12 new 4.000-liter fire engines represents a qualitative leap in the INFOCAL operationCombining economic investment, technological modernization, greater protection for professionals and a clear orientation towards sustainability and coordination at the state level, with the aim of facing the upcoming fire seasons with greater guarantees.
