EU organises firefighting teams and fleet of aircraft to support wildfire-hit countries

To prepare for the increased wildfire risk during the upcoming summer months, the EU has put together teams of firefighters and aircraft to help European countries affected by wildfires. To quickly support local fire brigades, throughout July and August, almost 650 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically positioned in key high-risk locations in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain.

They will boost the number of firefighters in each country. In addition, 22 firefighting airplanes and 4 helicopters will be stationed in 10 Member States to intervene in case of need. Coordinated and co-financed via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, these resources will help mitigate risks and enable a faster and more robust crisis response. These assets come on top of national capacities. This proactive approach confirms the EU’s commitment to staying one step ahead of disasters, including those worsened by climate change, and to joining forces to protect lives, homes and the environment.

European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, is in Madrid today, where she meets with the Spanish civil protection authorities.

Source: European Commission