This wildfire season has been one of the most severe in recent memory — the worst since 2006, when records began. Across Europe, flames have threatened homes, communities, and natural landscapes. On the ground, the response has been nothing short of remarkable: firefighters risking everything to protect lives and land.
Thanks to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism some firefighters were strategically prepositioned before disaster struck; while others were mobilised after urgent calls for international assistance came to the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre. Together, hundreds of firefighters from across Europe stood shoulder to shoulder in the heat of the blaze — wearing different uniforms yet united by the same spirit of solidarity.
We spoke to several of these firefighters and one firefighter pilot about their experiences on the frontline, and the lessons they carry home.
Meet Kaarel from Estonia, Michel from Malta, Nikolaos from Greece and Marco from Italy.
Kaarel Langemets - forest fire and firefighting water supply expert, Estonian Rescue Services Agency
Have you always dreamed of becoming a firefighter?
I was looking for a summer job, and my mother’s colleague — who had once worked as the chief of a nearby fire department — offered me this job.
At first, I was sceptical. I didn’t think I had the right feeling for it. I thought maybe I’d stay for half a year and then move on with my life.
That half a year turned into 30 this August, and I’m very happy with this choice.
Where were you prepositioned via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism this summer?
Estonia participated in the prepositioning mission in Spain both this year and in 2024. On both occasions, we were in 2 regions: Castilla-La Mancha and Galicia. There were 20 firefighters in each team, 40 in total. I was the team leader of the Castilla-La Mancha team.
During this mission, were you involved in any firefighting operations?
My team and I were able to respond to several fires. The largest covered about 3,600 hectares — an almost unbelievable size in our Estonian context.
How would you describe the situation and your personal memories of it?
Since we came to Spain for the second time, we mostly knew what to expect and were much better prepared. It also seemed that our Spanish colleagues found it easier to deploy us to the fires and had more trust in us.
‘What impressed us — both last year and this year — was the number of aerial resources Spain used to extinguish the fires,’ exclaimed Kaarel.
What also touched us deeply was the Spanish hospitality and gratitude. We felt that gratitude especially after one of the major fires, where we truly felt we had been useful.
I am very pleased that we have a highly motivated team and the right personal equipment, which has proven itself very well.
Why is it important for such missions and international cooperation to continue in the future?
It is quite clear that with such large and simultaneous forest fires, every country will face difficulties and need international help.
‘Personally, I am always a firefighter at heart. When help is needed — and you know how, and you can offer it — it also gives a lot back to me.’
Michel Galea - Chief Fire Officer, Civil Protection Department, Malta
Where were you prepositioned via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism this summer?
This summer, I was deployed with my ground forest firefighting module in Portugal. We had been stationed there and responded to many forest fires together with the Portuguese special forces responsible for tackling wildfires.
How would you describe the situation and your personal memories of it?
The situation in Portugal was severe. Experiencing such a huge wildfire — one that expanded across multiple valleys — was beyond anything I had previously encountered with this type of fire.
Coming from a small island with no forests, one thing that will surely remain in my memory is the moment you first see the fire from far away — the red glow visible even 200–300 km in the distance. As you approach the heart of the fire, you begin to smell it and see the debris. Witnessing valleys and vast areas burning at night brought to my mind the book Dante’s Inferno.
‘One thing that will surely remain in my memory is the moment you first see the fire from far away — the red glow visible even 200–300 km in the distance,’ recalls Michel.
What was the most memorable aspect of your mission, and what lessons—personal or professional—did you take away from it?
I gained experience in handling such wildfires at a strategic level — both land and aerial — learning the tactics to use and also working as a first responder alongside local teams and my own team members.
On a personal level, it was very rewarding to see the willingness of each Maltese team member to help other countries respond to and manage the crisis. The camaraderie built during such operations is vital — it’s something that will last a long time.
From your perspective, what is the added value of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism?
The added value of such deployments through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is endless.
Michel continued, ‘the EU Civil Protection Mechanism not only helps Member States train staff and prepare for crises, but it also provides opportunities for experts to meet and exchange knowledge,’
It is important for such missions and for international cooperation to be maintained and further developed, as they strengthen solidarity, build relationships, and reinforce the networks needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies that are shared by all countries.
Nikolaos Paisios – General Duties Second-Lieutenant, the First Special Forest Operations Unit, Greece
Have you always dreamed of becoming a firefighter?
Nikolaos revealed, ‘Since I was young, I have admired firefighters for their courage.’
I joined the Hellenic Fire Academy in 2016, served in Athens, then transferred in 2022 to the newly formed Forest Commando Unit (EMODE), where I trained in Greece, Canada, and Spain, and took part in demanding operations at home and abroad.
Where were you deployed this summer? How would you describe the situation?
In July we assisted in Cyprus, and in August I led 20 firefighters from EMODE in Spain, where a large fire threatened the village of Genestoso.
In Asturias, we fought on steep terrain under high heat, directly attacking the fire with hand tools and backburning to protect the village.
Despite exhaustion, teamwork and determination kept us focused.
What was the most memorable aspect of the mission?
The highlight of the mission in Spain was undoubtedly stopping the fire just before it reached Genestoso.
‘It taught us the importance of clear plans, rapid decisions, good communication, and solidarity under extreme conditions,’ reflected Nikolaos.
What is your opinion of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism?
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is one of the EU’s most important solidarity tools. Disasters don’t stop at borders, and rapid European assistance shows citizens they are not alone.
These missions test our readiness, enrich our knowledge, and foster solidarity across Europe.
Marco Amort - Director of Flight Operations, Italy
Have you always dreamed of becoming a firefighter?
‘Becoming a pilot was always on my mind — I even got my flying licence before my driving licence,’ begins Marco.
I had the chance to attend the Italian Air Force Academy, which allowed me to pursue an incredible operational flying career.
After that, I discovered the world of Canadair firefighting. I left the Air Force for this outstanding experience, which was completely new to me at the time.
The summer season is demanding, as we typically fly about 6 hours a day in extremely hot areas with many environmental challenges. But in the end, it’s deeply satisfying — you can immediately see the results of your work.
During this summer, were you involved in any EU-coordinated firefighting operations?
Yes, I was deployed several times, including to Israel, Greece, and Spain — in Salamanca.
The situation in Spain was unbelievable. The fires were extremely large and numerous; I had never seen such devastation in almost 20 years.
Your small effort against a huge fire can feel disarming and frustrating, but you must hold on. Even if you cannot stop the fire, you can still limit the damage or save lives in a specific part of the fire area — and that’s how you make a difference.
What lessons—personal or professional—did you take away from this mission?
We had the opportunity to fly extensively with the Spanish Canadair pilots, which was a great chance to exchange operational techniques, experiences, training practices, and much more.
Marco replies,‘From this experience we took away an important lesson: climate change is so unpredictable that we need to strengthen European interoperability, so we can help those in need as quickly and effectively as possible.’
From your perspective, what is the added value of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism?
As a Canadair Captain, I see the EU Civil Protection Mechanism as essential to successful cross-border firefighting missions. It enables genuine mutual solidarity, allowing countries to support one another when resources are stretched.
The challenges we face are growing — and only together can we overcome them.
