Meet the donkey brigade that’s helping curb wildfires in Spain

As wildfires rage across North America and southern Europe, an unlikely firefighting force is helping prevent devastating blazes in Spain’s Catalan countryside: a herd of rescue donkeys. Tivissa Donkeys Firefighters, a Catalan charity, has taken fire management into its own hands by rescuing abandoned and neglected donkeys, offering veterinary care, and providing space for the animals to graze and roam freely as part of a herd. 1:50 Emergency crews battle wildfires across Europe Story continues below advertisement The organization’s “donkey brigade” also assists with sustainable forest management by grazing on flammable undergrowth, which helps prevent fires and aids in fire-extinguishing efforts.Spain has had about 114,796 hectares of forest burn since the start of 2026 through to July 24, according to data from its Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), but animals have proven to be an effective tool for creating natural firebreaks by grazing on dry vegetation that fuels fast-moving fires.Canada is also facing one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, with nearly 800 active fires according to the federal government’s July update and some...