11/05/2026
Mapfre Global Risks held a new edition of its Fire Defense Competitions on May 8, which saw a record number of companies and participants take part. In total, 16 companies and 72 professionals participated in this biennial event, which also brought together senior representatives from client companies, risk managers, and brokers specializing in emergency prevention and management.
These competitions, which have been held continuously since 1969, are a unique initiative in the insurance sector and traditionally mark the beginning of the Mapfre Global Risks International Seminar. Although weather conditions forced a brief interruption during the day, the tests were completed as per schedule and in line with exacting safety standards.
Testing the teams’ mettle
The participants tackled three tests under real fire conditions that were designed to evaluate technical training, team coordination, and responsiveness to different risk scenarios. For the first time, this edition allowed fire blankets to be used as an extinction element in one of the tests.
• Fire extinguisher test – Non-professional category
Teams of two participants carried out the extinguishing of a hydrocarbon fire in a three-tier tray, applying safe physical approximation measures and correct release techniques for the extinguishing agent.
Classification:
1st Airbus Cádiz 2
2nd Exolum Rivabellosa A
3rd Airbus Cádiz 1
• Hose test – Non-professional category
Teams of three members acted on a vehicle fire, carrying out a combined extinguishing using a fire blanket and water line, prioritizing the initial control of the fire source while protecting the intervening team.
Classification:
1st Technician PREVINSA SL CCNN
2nd Airbus Cádiz
3rd Repsol 5
• Hose test – Professional category
Teams of three members faced a complex industrial scenario that reproduced hydrocarbon fires, LPG leaks, and the rescue of a downed operator, requiring a coordinated and secure intervention in the face of multiple simultaneous risks.
Classification:
1st ArcelorMittal
2nd Almaraz Nuclear Central
3rd Bilbao Airport
A benchmark in training and prevention
Over the years, these Fire Defense Competitions have become a benchmark in practical training with real fires, significantly contributing to improving operational preparedness, facilitating the exchange of experiences, and promoting a solid preventive culture in the industrial arena.
Mapfre Global Risks would like to express its sincere gratitude to all participating companies for their involvement, commitment, and professionalism. We’d also like to give a special mention to those organizations that participated for the first time in this edition. We also extend our congratulations to the winning teams for the high level of expertise and technique they demonstrated in each of the tests.
The competitions will be held again in 2028, with the goal of continuing to promote technical excellence and continuous improvement in fire defense.
