27 Aug, 2025 @ 18:00
1 min read
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WATCH: Are firefighting helicopters in Spain allowed to take water from private swimming pools?

FIRE IN OURENSE, AUGUST

THE answer is yes they are – and refusing to let them could even land you in trouble with the law.

Andalucia’s wildfire agency INFOCA has reminded residents that firefighting helicopters are legally entitled to scoop water from private pools when battling blazes.

With flames tearing through the country in one of the worst wildfire seasons in years, officials stressed that every drop of water counts.

Spain has been hit by searing temperatures over 46C this summer, fuelling dozens of infernos across Northern and western Spain.

READ MORE: Flood alert issued in Spain’s Catalunya: Violent storms set to bring up to 40mm of rain in just one hour

YouTube video

Thousands of square kilometres have been destroyed and whole towns forced to evacuate.

Authorities have explained that when natural sources such as reservoirs or lakes are too far away, helicopters will dip into the nearest pool to save precious time.

Residents are urged not to interfere – and warned that blocking crews could be classed as a criminal offence.

READ MORE: SPAIN IN FLAMES: Police arrest 48 for arson and 16 regions declared disaster zones

The advice is simple: clear away any loose objects from around the pool that could be blown into the air by rotor wash, keep your distance, and don’t try to film close up.

“Your video won’t be more spectacular,” INFOCA said, “and you’ll help avoid another emergency.”

READ MORE: Fire-scorched northern Spain declares two NEW blazes despite cooling weather

Spain has already requested extra firefighting support from the EU as crews struggle to contain blazes made worse by drought and climate change.

For homeowners, the message is clear: if a helicopter hovers above your pool this summer, let it take what it needs.

Click here to read more Other News from The Olive Press.

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, is the Digital Editor of the Olive Press and occasional roaming photographer who started out at the Daily Mail.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his NCTJ diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk due to previous experience as a camera operator and filmmaker.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.

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