Brussels: Europe and Arabs
As wildfires continue to affect many European countries, the European Union's Emergency Response Coordination Centre is working 24/7 to direct assistance to help tackle the fires. According to a statement by the European Commission in Brussels, the executive body of the European Union, the statement added: “Currently, both Bulgaria and North Macedonia are receiving assistance from the European Union following requests to activate the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in recent weeks. In Bulgaria, a total of 10 aircraft and 2 helicopters have been deployed to support the country since it requested assistance on 15 July. Currently, two Canadairs from the rescEU reserve from Spain are operating in Bulgaria. In North Macedonia, 3 helicopters and 6 aircraft overall have been deployed to North Macedonia via the Mechanism since it requested assistance on 30 July. Currently, 4 rescEU reserve aircraft from Cyprus and Germany are operating in North Macedonia, with an additional helicopter available from Slovenia which will start operations on 10 August. The EU’s Copernicus Emergency Satellite Mapping System is also providing support to Greece, following the recent fire on the island of Crete. The Commission is constantly monitoring the situation across Europe and stands ready to provide further assistance if requested.” That. Furthermore, to strengthen preparedness measures for this summer fire season, the Commission has set up the European Civil Protection and Rescue Group whose air capabilities now include 28 aircraft and 4 helicopters based in 10 Member States, and are available this year to support firefighters across the continent. Secondly, more than 540 firefighters from 12 countries have been strategically deployed across key locations in Europe, in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain, ready to assist local firefighters in the event of wildfires.