Heatwave Raises Wildfire Risk, EU Conducts Large-Scale Disaster Prevention Deployment

(Central News Agency correspondent Wu Bowei, Brussels, 2nd) A heatwave is sweeping across Europe, raising the risk of wildfires. The European Union is investing funds and coordinating the disaster prevention and response systems of its member states through its existing civil protection mechanism, implementing a disaster prevention deployment plan on a scale and with a level of participation unseen in recent years.

According to a press release from the European Commission, as the risk of wildfires rises and becomes more destructive, the EU is deploying firefighters, aircraft, and response experts through its existing 'Civil Protection Mechanism' to support national firefighting needs at times and locations of highest risk.

To date, a total of 777 firefighters from 14 European countries have been pre-positioned in high-risk wildfire areas including Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. Simultaneously, 22 firefighting planes and 5 helicopters are on standby, ready to support countries facing firefighting pressure. This is the largest participation and scale since the 'Pre-Positioning Plan' was launched in 2022.

The European Commission noted that throughout the wildfire season, EU experts will use meteorological and scientific analysis to track risks and support deployments. Meanwhile, the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) will continue wildfire risk predictions, and the Copernicus satellite system will provide emergency mapping and geospatial analysis to support decision-making.

The European Commission further stated that a new 'European Regional Fire Station' will be inaugurated in Cyprus this year to strengthen wildfire prevention and response capabilities in Europe and the Southern Mediterranean region. This fire station is expected to accommodate up to 6 aircraft and will serve as a hub for training civil protection personnel and conducting exercises. (Editor: Tian Ruihua) 1150603