With multiple wildfires breaking out in Greece, and most notably in Northern Peloponnese region, the EU is sending planes to help fight the rapidly spreading flames.
Following Greece’s activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism yesterday afternoon, the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has immediately mobilised three firefighting aircraft from the rescEU emergency reserves. The planes, mobilised from Croatia and Italy, have already arrived in Greece.
The EU has also launched emergency satellite mapping via its Copernicus system to provide maps for the local authorities. The European Commission continues monitoring the fire danger forecast and is ready to mobilise more assistance if needed.
During this summer’s wildfire season, Greece had previously requested assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism twice, receiving at the time 5 firefighting planes, 2 helicopters, as well as 7 ground teams amounting to 348 firefighters and 115 vehicles.
Greece also hosted a prepositioning programme, in which firefighters and vehicles were deployed to Greece for several weeks.
