This summer, the European Commission is mobilizing a substantial firefighting response across the continent to combat an escalating wildfire crisis. Hundreds of firefighters from fourteen European countries, including Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania, will be pre-positioned in high-risk areas of France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain. With approximately 650 firefighters deployed, this initiative represents the largest pre-positioning effort since its inception in 2022, strategizing to mitigate the increasing risk of wildfires exacerbated by climate change. Greece will receive the bulk of this support, reflecting its vulnerability to summer wildfires, while countries like France and Spain will also be heavily involved, showcasing a coordinated effort across the EU.
The EU’s firefighting resources include 22 airplanes and four helicopters stationed in ten member states, all coordinated under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. France and Greece will particularly benefit from the aerial fleet, with each receiving four medium amphibious planes. Additional support will extend to other nations like Italy and Sweden. This substantial aerial capacity is aimed at quick intervention and support in combating the increasing severity of summer wildfires. According to Hadja Lahbib, EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, the EU’s actions are not merely symbolic, but contribute significantly to on-the-ground efforts to address this pressing issue.
To enhance overall preparedness, the EU will also mobilize additional ground firefighting teams and establish a dedicated wildfire support unit at the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). This team, composed of 30 experts, will focus on monitoring wildfire risks through data analysis and scientific research. The combined efforts of these teams underscore the EU’s commitment to providing logistical and operational support in the face of relentless wildfire threats, underlining the severity of the fire situation across Europe.
The scale of the wildfire problem is further illustrated by the alarming statistics reported so far this year, with over 166,000 hectares of land burned across the EU, nearly three times the average for the same period in previous years. Romania has been notably impacted, with over 120,000 hectares lost; many fires are reportedly due to human actions, including intentional land clearance. France’s experience has also been concerning, as it has seen a considerably elevated burning rate compared to historical averages. Comparatively, Spain’s burn rate remains slightly below the typical figures, reflecting varied national experiences of the wildfire crisis.
The uptick in wildfire occurrences is widely attributed to climate change, which has led to increased temperatures and prolonged drought conditions, making environments more susceptible to ignition. Additional factors involve demographic shifts, leading to land mismanagement as urbanization encroaches on rural spaces. Consequently, the risk of wildfires now extends beyond the expected summer months, showcasing an elongated fire season from early May to late October. Countries in both eastern and northern Europe, traditionally less prone to such disasters, are increasingly experiencing significant wildfire events.
Currently, warning drought conditions have been identified in numerous regions, including parts of Poland, Germany, and the Baltic Sea area, contributing to a precarious environment prone to fires. Even though some southern regions like Spain and Italy are recovering from drought, the new normal of widespread wildfire risk has necessitated a robust and coordinated response at both national and EU levels. The convergence of climate-related challenges and evolving land management practices presents an urgent call for action, as European nations work collaboratively to mitigate the devastating impacts of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.
