European Union ramps up wildfire response with fleet of aircraft and firefighting teams

In anticipation of rising wildfire threats during the summer months, the European Union has mobilised a comprehensive support system to aid countries battling forest fires. Nearly 650 firefighters from 14 EU countries will be stationed across France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain throughout July and August to reinforce local fire services in high-risk areas. This collective effort ensures that Member States can swiftly scale up their response during critical situations.

To complement ground operations, a dedicated EU-supported aerial fleet will be deployed across 10 Member States. This includes 22 firefighting airplanes and 4 helicopters, made available through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The aerial assets range from medium amphibious aircraft in France, Greece, and Italy, to light planes in Sweden, Cyprus, and Portugal, with helicopter support in Czechia, Slovakia, and France. These shared resources, co-financed by the EU, are designed to deliver rapid and efficient assistance in emergencies, reinforcing national efforts and strengthening cross-border solidarity.

A central hub for coordination will be maintained at the EU’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre, supported by scientific data and satellite monitoring via Copernicus. This proactive approach reflects the EU’s growing commitment to disaster preparedness and climate resilience. By investing in shared assets and ensuring swift deployment mechanisms, the EU continues to prioritise the protection of lives, communities, and ecosystems across the continent.