WATCH: Are firefighting helicopters in Spain allowed to take water from private swimming pools?
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.
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.
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