EU fire teams support Greek and French wildfire operations
The Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) has reported that EU-coordinated firefighters are supporting local response teams in Greece and France following the outbreak of wildfires.
Firefighters from Bulgaria have been working alongside Greek personnel to control a wildfire in Halkidiki.
In southern France, Romanian firefighters have joined French teams to assist in tackling a blaze near Perpignan.
These deployments are part of the European Union’s summer wildfire preparedness plan.
Nearly 650 firefighters from 14 countries have been prepositioned in high-risk areas of France, Greece, Portugal and Spain.
Strategic deployment of EU assets in wildfire season
ECHO confirmed that the prepositioning of teams was planned in advance to strengthen capacity in countries most vulnerable to seasonal wildfires.
The initiative is managed under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and covers both personnel and aerial firefighting assets.
In total, 22 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters have been stationed in 10 EU Member States to allow rapid response when needed.
The aircraft and helicopters supplement national emergency assets and are intended to improve the speed and scale of response.
The European Commission stated that all the personnel and equipment have been co-financed through the Civil Protection Mechanism.
It said the plan aims to reduce pressure on national services and prevent the spread of major incidents during peak risk periods.
Emergency centre monitoring situation and coordinating support
According to ECHO, the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre is continuing to monitor the wildfire situation across Europe.
It confirmed that the centre is ready to provide additional support if requested by national authorities.
Coordination through the Civil Protection Mechanism allows for a joint response between Member States.
The centre also facilitates the sharing of situational awareness and supports the deployment of further assistance based on need.
ECHO said the system is designed to ensure fast mobilisation of resources to support Member States facing emergencies.
Wildfires in Greece and France prompt EU firefighter deployment: Summary
Firefighters from Bulgaria have been deployed to support wildfire response in Greece.
Romanian firefighters have joined French teams in responding to a wildfire in Perpignan.
These actions are part of the EU’s summer wildfire preparedness strategy.
Nearly 650 firefighters from 14 countries have been positioned in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain.
A total of 22 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters have been prepositioned across 10 EU countries.
All resources are coordinated and co-financed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The assets are designed to supplement national capabilities and enable faster response.
The EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre is monitoring the wildfire situation.
It remains ready to provide further support if requested by Member States.