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.
Overview of EU supported summer fleet
- France: Four medium amphibious airplanes and one helicopter.
- Greece: Four medium amphibious airplanes.
- Croatia: Two medium amphibious airplanes.
- Italy: Two medium amphibious airplanes.
- Spain: Two medium amphibious airplanes.
- Sweden: Four light planes.
- Portugal: Two light planes.
- Cyprus: Two light planes.
- Czechia: Two helicopters.
- Slovakia: One helicopter.
In addition, a further 19 ground firefighting teams, of around 30 firefighters each, and one advisory and assessment team, are ready to be mobilised by the EU in close collaboration with Member and Participating States via the Mechanism.
A dedicated wildfire support team will be established at the EU’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre to monitor risks, analyse scientific data. 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.
Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, who met with the Spanish civil protection authorities in Madrid today, said: ‘Extreme heat and wildfires in Europe have sadly become the new normal. I am glad the EU has more to offer than just words of concern and consolation: our support is tangible and makes a difference on the ground. This wouldn’t be possible without a strong team effort across borders – thank you to Spain and to all other countries working together to make Europe safer in the face of this changing reality.’
