The European Union in Action against Fires in Greece
The European Union is mobilising to tackle the devastating wave of fires in the Alexandroupolis-Feres region of Greece
Brussels – The European Commission has announced the deployment of two RescEU firefighting aircraft based in Cyprus, together with a team of Romanian firefighters, in a coordinated effort to contain the disaster.
A total of 56 firefighters and 10 vehicles arrived in Greece yesterday. In addition, in line with the EU’s preparedness plan for the forest fire season, a team of ground firefighters from France is already operational in the field.
Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčič underlined the exceptional nature of the situation, with July marking the most disastrous month since 2008 for Greece in terms of forest fires. The fires, more intense and violent than in the past, have already caused significant damage and forced the evacuation of eight villages.
The EU’s timely response is crucial, and Lenarčič expressed his gratitude to Cyprus and Romania for their valuable contribution to the Greek firefighters already on the ground.