European firefighters mobilised to help Canada fight wildfires
Almost 300 European firefighters offered to help Canada fight wildfires via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Wildfires
Canada is experiencing its worst wildfires for 10 years. Numerous wildfires are burning across the country, in areas where wildfires are common but also in areas generally thought to be less at risk. About 4.1 million hectares have burned so far and more than 20 000 people have been evacuated.
To help tackle these huge blazes, Canada has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to request European assistance. Almost 300 firefighters from France, Portugal and Spain have responded through the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. An expert from the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) will help coordinate the European level response.
Wildfires are clearly becoming more frequent and more disastrous across the world, threatening lives and burning areas that take longer to fully recover. I thank France, Portugal and Spain for coming to Canada’s assistance at a time when Europe is also at high fire risk, European solidarity is global.
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