On 10 October 2026 20 emergency responders and members of the volunteer civil protection service have completed specialist training in driving off-road vehicles in emergency situations. The training took place at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento en Formación de Fuego y Conducción in Brunete (Madrid province), delivered by ILUNION Fuego y Conducción S.A. It was organised by the Escuela de Protección Ciudadana de Castilla‑La Mancha as part of its ongoing training programme.
According to the organising bodies, the course was aimed at professional firefighters, members of the Policía Local and volunteers from civil protection and emergency response groups. A total of 20 people took part. Practical sessions covered off-road manoeuvres, safely negotiating steep or slippery sections, and recovering vehicles that had become stuck. Participants also received introductions to the use of winches, low-range gearing, tyre-pressure adjustment and other equipment relevant to emergency operations.
The training used the practice facilities in Brunete, with simulated fire and off-road scenarios to create realistic conditions. ILUNION operates the centre and was responsible for the practical training. The Escuela de Protección Ciudadana de Castilla‑La Mancha coordinated participation from the region and included the course in its civil and emergency protection programme.
For the authorities involved, being able to handle off-road vehicles in difficult terrain and adverse weather is central to operational safety, for example during forest fires, floods, flash floods or search and rescue operations. According to the organisers, the course covered not only driving techniques but also tactical issues: choosing suitable routes, assessing load-bearing capacity and ground conditions, communicating as a group, and working alongside other teams at the scene.
Experts note, however, that individual training courses cannot replace comprehensive equipment provision or consistent qualification standards. Sustained improvements require regular refresher exercises, vehicle maintenance and coordinated regional investment. The available statements gave no specific follow-up plans, such as further sessions, certifications or evaluations of the course’s effectiveness.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).