Spanish Air Force pilot Francisco Javier Gimeno Benito‑Sendin said the scale of wildfires across Spain has left him feeling shocked and emotionally drained [1].

The testimony highlights the psychological strain on first responders tasked with managing increasingly severe environmental disasters. While the technical aspects of aerial firefighting are rigorous, the mental health impact of witnessing widespread destruction presents a secondary crisis for personnel.

Benito‑Sendin said the experience of flying over affected regions is a process that is taking a heavy toll on him [3]. He said he cannot stop being shocked by the level of devastation visible from the air [1].

The pilot's accounts were shared in a video released on July 28, 2026 [1], and further reported on July 29, 2026 [2]. His description of the work as emotionally draining emphasizes the gap between operational success and the personal well-being of the crew [2].

Aerial firefighting requires precision and endurance, but Benito‑Sendin's experience suggests that the visual reality of the landscape's destruction is the most difficult element to process. The pilot's reflections come as Spain continues to deal with the effects of these fires across multiple regions [1].

Throughout the missions, the pilot noted that the repetitive nature of the devastation does not diminish the shock. He said the emotional weight of the task persists despite the professional requirements of the flight missions [1].

“"Can't stop being shocked"”

This account underscores the growing necessity for mental health support systems tailored for environmental first responders. As wildfires increase in frequency and intensity, the psychological trauma associated with witnessing large-scale ecological collapse may become a significant operational risk for air forces and emergency services.