A firm sentence obliges the Ayuso Government to recover the investment against fires that it left unexecuted since 2019

A final ruling by the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid forces the Government of Isabel Díaz Ayuso to recover the amounts it failed to apply to real investments in the Fire Prevention and Extinction Service between 2019 and 2023. The money came from a special contribution paid by insurance companies and was to be used entirely to improve the resources of the regional Fire Department.

The ruling, whose details have been published by 'Somos Madrid', annulled a resolution by ASEM112 from March 2024 that rejected directly allocating all revenue to real investments. The agency argued that budgets allowed for other actions, an interpretation that firefighters took to court and that the tribunal has ultimately rejected.

Firefighters estimate 37.8 million uninvested

The plaintiff workers argue that the Community of Madrid collected 57,700,946.81 euros between 2019 and 2023, but only allocated 19,870,730 euros to investments adjusted to the intended purpose. The difference amounts to 37,830,216.81 euros, the amount they claim for material, vehicles, infrastructure, and protective equipment.

The Chamber orders that "solely, exclusively, and entirely for real investments" all contributions be dedicated and that the amounts that during those five fiscal years fell outside that purpose be recovered. The ruling, however, does not confirm the exact figure of 37.8 million claimed by the union. 'Newtral' confirmed that the ruling became final on June 4 after the deadline passed without the Community of Madrid filing an appeal.

The Madrid government maintains that there is no difference between what was collected and what was allocated to the service. It also states that the ruling lacks a condemnation for lack of investment and defends that its calculations incorporate formulas such as vehicle rental. The TSJM restricts these funds to real investments, including the purchase of material and vehicles, and excludes current expenses and 'renting'. The Community will also have to bear the legal costs, limited to 2,000 euros.

The resolution affects a service made up of 1,680 firefighters distributed in 22 stations, responsible for attending to emergencies throughout the region except Madrid capital and Alcorcón. The latter municipality will join the autonomous system in 2027. In 2026 alone, insurers will contribute 16.4 million through this special contribution, an amount that must be fully invested following the criteria set by the Justice system.

Fewer personnel and vehicles that will take three years

The ruling is known after the Sierra Oeste fire, the most serious suffered by the Community of Madrid, and once again puts Ayuso's Executive's prevention policy under the microscope. 'laSexta' reported that the forest brigades went from seven to five members this year, which would have meant 131 fewer firefighters on the ground during the fire that devastated the western part of the region.

The collective's complaints go back a long way. Professionals have denounced for years shortages in rescue vehicles, aerial ladders, protective equipment and facilities, as well as leaks, filtrations and the presence of rodents in some stations. The confrontation reached a simultaneous protest in the 22 training towers in June 2025, after the regional Executive tried to modify the labor conditions previously agreed with the unions.

Shortly before this summer's fires, the Governing Council authorized 38.7 million to acquire 36 new heavy rural fire engines. The renovation continues in the bidding phase and the vehicles will take three years to be delivered. Until then, the Fire Department will have to continue operating with the current fleet while Ayuso's Government complies with the judicial obligation to recover the pending investment.