Firefighter tries to set himself on fire in central Murcia square

Firefighter restrained by police after setting himself on fire in Plaza del Cardenal Belluga

A firefighter was injured on Monday morning January 26, after trying to set himself on fire in Murcia City's busy Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. Quick action from local police stopped the flames from spreading.

Witnesses say the man, reportedly from Murcia’s Fire and Rescue Service (SEIS), was shouting through a megaphone while holding an axe, criticising poor working conditions. He claimed firefighters are even forced to clean their own suits with toxic chemicals.

“They’ve put me between a rock and a hard place,” he reportedly shouted in Spanish, according to local media outlet La 7.

At one point, he poured what appeared to be petrol over himself. Despite officers and a bystander trying to stop him, he set himself alight. Police stationed nearby at the City Hall building jumped into action with fire extinguishers, quickly putting out the flames and restraining him with handcuffs for his own safety. Fire crews arrived shortly afterwards to treat his injuries.

While the firefighter was heard criticising working conditions, authorities have not confirmed the full reasons for his actions, and it is not known whether personal or mental health issues may have played a role.

The incident shocked people in the area, including residents, shopkeepers and passersby, as it happened early in the morning in one of the city centre’s busiest spots. According to reports, the City Council has opened a confidential disciplinary procedure, and the firefighter has been temporarily suspended from duty.

The investigation is ongoing, and no further details have been released.

Image: Murcia City Hall