Wildfires are becoming a permanent occurrence in many parts of Europe and the world.
2023 marked a record-breaking year—with the largest fire ever recorded in Europe—and one of the worst wildfire seasons to date in the EU.
Wildfires also severely affected North America, as well as many countries in South America.
Lives were lost, livelihoods destroyed, and many hectares of land burnt.
For the 2024 wildfire season, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and its rescEU fleet have been placed on high alert.
The rescEU fleet and the European Civil Protection Pool brings together 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters. Stationed in Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, and Sweden, these aerial firefighting means are at the disposal of other EU Member States in case of an emergency.
In addition, more than 540 firefighters are pre-positioned in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain coming from 12 different European countries, ready to help local fire brigades when wildfires break out.
