In a historic move, the EU is dispatching two aircraft to aid Spain’s firefighting efforts after the country activated the EU disaster assistance mechanism for the first time, prompted by a surge in fatal wildfires.
EU Deploys Aircraft to Assist Spain's Wildfire Crisis as Fatalities Rise
EU Deploys Aircraft to Assist Spain's Wildfire Crisis as Fatalities Rise
The European Union mobilizes resources to combat deadly wildfires in Spain amid a heatwave, marking unprecedented support as the nation faces escalating challenges.
Spain is grappling with severe wildfires that have claimed three lives, including a civilian and a volunteer firefighter, especially in the hard-hit León region. The Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, announced that while the aircraft are not urgently needed, they are being requested ahead of predictions of soaring temperatures that could exacerbate the situation. According to the state weather agency, AEMET, the current heatwave is expected to persist through Monday, with some areas likely to see temperatures reaching above 44C.
Amid mounting evacuations, with 700 residents displaced from Caceres, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to those affected by the wildfires. He emphasized that all government resources are being mobilized to tackle the escalating crisis, stating, “The threat remains extreme.”
Spain is not alone in its fight against wildfires; various European nations, including Greece and Bulgaria, are experiencing similar infernos and have activated the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance. As of Thursday, firefighting resources have been dispatched to Greece, which is battling its own wildfires across multiple fronts, leading to injuries among 95 individuals, including firefighters.
Across the EU, 439,000 hectares have reportedly burned this year compared to 187,643 hectares in the previous year, highlighting a dramatic increase in wildfire incidents. The situation remains critical as emergency efforts continue amidst the relentless heatwave, underscoring Europe’s vulnerability to intense wildfires in the current climatic conditions.
Amid mounting evacuations, with 700 residents displaced from Caceres, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed condolences to those affected by the wildfires. He emphasized that all government resources are being mobilized to tackle the escalating crisis, stating, “The threat remains extreme.”
Spain is not alone in its fight against wildfires; various European nations, including Greece and Bulgaria, are experiencing similar infernos and have activated the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance. As of Thursday, firefighting resources have been dispatched to Greece, which is battling its own wildfires across multiple fronts, leading to injuries among 95 individuals, including firefighters.
Across the EU, 439,000 hectares have reportedly burned this year compared to 187,643 hectares in the previous year, highlighting a dramatic increase in wildfire incidents. The situation remains critical as emergency efforts continue amidst the relentless heatwave, underscoring Europe’s vulnerability to intense wildfires in the current climatic conditions.
