Bolivia: EU mobilises 40 firefighters to support response to wildfires

Following a request of assistance from Bolivia, the EU has mobilised firefighters’ teams from France through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Around 40 firefighters have been deployed to assist the Bolivian authorities in their efforts to extinguish the wildfires currently active in the country, together with a drone unit.

In addition, the EU has activated the Copernicus Emergency Satellite Mapping Service.

The EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre remains in contact with the Bolivian authorities to channel further assistance and the EU stands ready to provide further help if needed.

Spain had also offered a team of 75 firefighters that have not been deployed due to the improvement of the situation.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “The wildfires in Bolivia are causing widespread damage and environmental loss. The EU stands ready to help beyond its borders. I warmly thank France for deploying these teams that will provide crucial assistance, and Spain for their offer also. As in 2019, Bolivia can again count on our support.”

Background

Bolivia has experienced a recent spike in wildfires in the northeast of the country. The fires have damaged thousands of hectares of forests, crops and pastures, and affected several protected natural parks.

When the scale of an emergency overwhelms the response capabilities of a country, it can request assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Once activated, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre coordinates and finances assistance made available by EU Member States and 10 additional participating states through spontaneous offers.

In 2019, the EU also deployed experts and firefighters under the Mechanism to help Bolivia fight wildfires.