Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Donkeys combat Spain's wildfires
In southern Spain, a group called Tivissa Donkey Firefighters is using rescued donkeys to help prevent wildfires.
These donkeys eat the dry, flammable grasses that can cause fires.
The group's founder, Joan Cedó Sans, started this project in 2020 after seeing how well donkeys cleared the land around his property.
Now, there are 62 donkeys grazing on both private and public lands to create natural firebreaks.
This method is a unique and eco-friendly way to protect the area from wildfires, especially as fires have been happening earlier and more frequently in southern Europe.
Tivissa Donkey Firefighters uses rescued donkeys to clear flammable vegetation in southern Catalonia, Spain.
The project was founded by Joan Cedó Sans in 2020 after observing the effectiveness of donkeys in clearing undergrowth.
The herd has grown to 62 donkeys grazing across private and public land to create natural firebreaks.
Southern Europe has seen wildfires earlier than usual, with over 240,000 acres already destroyed in Spain this summer.
This method is a natural and eco-friendly approach to wildfire prevention, contrasting with modern technologies like drones and AI.
- Who
- Tivissa Donkey Firefighters, Joan Cedó Sans
- What
- Using rescued donkeys to clear flammable vegetation and prevent wildfires
- When
- Project launched in 2020
- Where
- Southern Catalonia, Spain
- Why
- To create natural firebreaks and prevent wildfires
Traditional Methods
Modern Technology
Effectiveness
Traditional Methods
Donkeys are effective in clearing flammable vegetation and creating natural firebreaks.
Modern Technology
Modern technology like drones and AI can cover larger areas more quickly and efficiently.
Environmental Impact
Traditional Methods
Using donkeys is a natural and eco-friendly method that doesn't harm the environment.
Modern Technology
Modern technology can have a lower environmental impact if used correctly and can be more precise.
Cost
Traditional Methods
Using donkeys can be more cost-effective in the long run as they require less maintenance and can be rehabilitated from abandonment.
Modern Technology
Modern technology can be expensive to implement and maintain, but it can also be more efficient in the long run.
- Organization
- Tivissa Donkey Firefighters
- Founder
- Joan Cedó Sans
- Year Founded
- 2020
- Number of Donkeys
- 62
- Location
- Southern Catalonia, Spain
- Purpose
- Wildfire prevention through grazing
- Area Affected
- More than 240,000 acres destroyed in Spain
