Aircraft equipped for firefighting dispatched to Cyprus by EU

European Union Mobilises Firefighting Resources Across Continent

The European Union (EU) is currently engaged in a large-scale firefighting initiative, with firefighters from 14 countries prepositioned in key high-risk areas across several nations. This effort is aimed at combating wildfires that have emerged in various parts of the continent this wildfire season.

The initiative, which involves around 670 firefighters, includes teams from Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and France. These firefighters are supporting local response teams in their respective countries and are strategically prepositioned in high-risk areas.

One of the countries receiving firefighting assistance is Cyprus. The authorities in Cyprus have requested help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism due to a major fire in the Limassol district. In response, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has mobilised two Canadair airplanes from the EU's joint firefighting fleet, rescEU, stationed in Spain, to aid in the Cyprus wildfire.

The EU's firefighting efforts are not limited to airplanes and helicopters. Equipment has also been deployed to combat wildfires. For instance, Germany and France have sent firefighting equipment to Syria this wildfire season.

The EU's rescue aircraft, including rescEU assets from Greece, Italy, and Spain, have also been deployed to address wildfires in Albania and North Macedonia. Helicopters from Hungary have also been part of the EU's efforts in these countries.

This wildfire season, the EU has responded to several emergencies in Albania and North Macedonia. Besides Cyprus, these countries have provided rescue aircraft from the EU rescue pool, rescEU, to combat wildfires in Syria, Albania, and North Macedonia during this period.

This ongoing initiative during the summer is a testament to the EU's commitment to providing timely and effective assistance in times of crisis. The EU's firefighting efforts demonstrate the solidarity and cooperation among its member states in addressing common challenges.