EU sends firefighting airplanes to Cyprus

Following a major fire in the Limassol district of Cyprus, the authorities have requested firefighting assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 

In response, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre has mobilised two Canadair airplanes from the EU's joint firefighting fleet, rescEU, stationed in Spain.

This wildfire season, in addition to supporting Cyprus, the EU has responded to several wildfire emergencies in Albania and North Macedonia deploying firefighting airplanes including rescEU assets from Greece, Italy, Croatia and helicopters from Hungary as well as sending firefighting equipment to Syria from Germany, and France.

Throughout the summer, firefighters from across Europe have been strategically prepositioned in key high-risk areas in Portugal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and France, continuing to support local response teams as needed. In total, around 670 firefighters from 14 countries are participating in this initiative.