Firefighters and two firefighting aircraft from the European Union have been sent to Portugal to assist the country and other nations affected by forest fires.
A statement from the organisation said that “to prepare for the increased risk of forest fires in the coming summer months, the EU has mobilised firefighting teams and aircraft to assist European countries affected by forest fires.”
In particular, “to provide rapid support to local fire brigades during July and August, around 650 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically deployed to key high-risk locations in France, Greece, Portugal and Spain,” Brussels said, adding that the number of firefighters in each country would be reinforced.
22 firefighting planes and four helicopters have been deployed in 10 EU member states to provide assistance if necessary.
In the case of Portugal, the summer fleet supported by the EU includes two light aircraft.
“These resources, coordinated and co-financed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, will help reduce risks and ensure a faster and more reliable response to crises. These resources complement national capabilities,” the European Commission said.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism coordinates the response to natural and man-made disasters at EU level and aims to facilitate co-operation between national authorities and provide rapid assistance to the population.
In addition, this summer, the EU, in close co-operation with Member States, is ready to deploy 19 land-based firefighting teams, each with around 30 firefighters, as well as a team of advisers and assessment experts.
Support team
A special support team for fighting forest fires will also be set up within the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre to monitor risks and analyse scientific data.
“This proactive approach confirms the EU’s commitment to staying one step ahead of disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change, and to joining forces to protect lives, homes and the environment,” the EU executive concluded.
In 2024, Portugal faced one of the worst forest fire seasons in a decade: between January 1 and October 15, there were 6,229 rural fires, burning 136,424 hectares.
This figure represents a 47% reduction in the total number of fires compared to the average for the previous 10 years, but the area burned increased by 22%.
