Wildfire Risks Rise in Europe Amid Heatwave

Wildfire Risks Intensify Amid Heatwave in Europe

The ongoing heatwave across Europe has significantly increased the threat of wildfires, particularly affecting southern regions of the continent. Countries such as Croatia, Italy, Greece, and their neighbors are grappling with rapidly spreading flames, leading to urgent responses from authorities.

In response to this escalating crisis, the European Union (EU) has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, a vital framework established in 2001. This mechanism comprises three main branches and is equipped with a fleet of 28 water bomber planes and 4 helicopters, which are deployed through the collaboration of EU Member States.

To bolster firefighting efforts, the EU has earmarked an impressive €600 million for the procurement of 12 state-of-the-art water bombers. These aircraft are anticipated to be operational by the end of the decade and will be strategically distributed among six Member States, enhancing their capacity to combat wildfires effectively.

Moreover, the EU is prepared to intervene directly on the ground. “More than 500 firefighters are strategically positioned in four southern EU Member States—France, Portugal, Spain, and Greece—and can be summoned to assist local teams when necessary,” explains Balazs Ujvari, spokesperson for the European Commission. This proactive approach ensures that resources are readily available to respond to emergencies.

In addition to personnel, Member States can access satellite imagery from the Copernicus system, the EU’s comprehensive Earth observation program. This system has been activated 25 times in 2023 alone to monitor wildfire events worldwide, providing crucial data for effective management.

To initiate assistance from the EU’s mechanism, national authorities can contact the Emergency Response Coordination Centre in Brussels, which operates around the clock. Requests for aid and specific needs are then relayed to the relevant capitals. “Our goal is to respond as swiftly as possible, which can take just a few hours, sometimes slightly longer, or even just a few minutes,” adds Ujvari.

Prioritizing Prevention Over Suffering

While the responsibility for fire prevention rests primarily with the Member States, the EU took proactive steps by implementing an action plan in 2022 aimed at enhancing administrative capabilities and knowledge related to wildfire management. This plan also seeks to increase investments in preventive measures.

Furthermore, the EU is actively working to develop a standardized method for assessing national prevention systems and facilitating the exchange of best practices among the 27 Member States. This collaborative effort is vital for improving overall wildfire resilience.

According to a report from the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, wildfires devastated nearly 900,000 hectares of land within the EU in 2022. However, 2023 has proven to be even more catastrophic, witnessing the largest fire in Europe and marking one of the most severe wildfire seasons ever recorded in the Union.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is not limited to assisting its Member States; it extends its solidarity beyond borders. “We are committed to helping everyone in need, so any country can request assistance,” asserts Balazs Ujvari. Last year, the Union provided aid to countries such as Chile, Canada, and Tunisia, and just last month, Albania reached out for EU support.

Throughout the previous year, the Civil Protection Mechanism was activated 10 times, demonstrating its essential role in crisis response. By mid-summer this year, it had already been mobilized on five occasions, highlighting the urgent need for collective action in the face of increasing wildfire threats.