Wildfires: EU mobilises new planes and firefighters for Greece

As new wildfires broke in the region of Alexandroupolis-Feres in Greece, the EU is deploying 2 rescEU firefighting planes based in Cyprus and 1 firefighting team from Romania via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

In total, 56 firefighters and 10 vehicles should arrive in the country still today. In addition, 1 pre-deployed ground firefighting team from France is already operating in Greece as a part of the EU’s wildfire season preparedness plan.

Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, said: “Greece already had by far its worst July since 2008 in terms of wildfires. The burnt area is bigger and the fires are more intense and more violent, burning more area than before. The fire in Alexandroupolis-Feres already damaged homes and caused the evacuation of  8 villages. The EU's fast response is once again essential and I thank these Cyprus and Romania for helping the Greek firefighters already operating on the ground.”

This assistance follows the EU’s response to Greece’s previous activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism last month, when 9 planes, 510 firefighters and 117 vehicles were mobilised. In addition, the EU’s Copernicus satellite mapping is also providing damage assessment on several areas in the region.

The Commission continues to be in close contact with the Greek authorities via its Emergency Response Coordination Centre and stands ready to mobilise additional assistance if needed.