The European Union introduced the initial reserve of helicopters and airplanes within the rescEU project in preparation for the upcoming forest fire season, the European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday
BRUSSELS (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st May, 2019) The European Union introduced the initial reserve of helicopters and airplanes within the rescEU project in preparation for the upcoming forest fire season, the European Commission said in a statement on Tuesday."To prepare for the risk of forest fires during the upcoming summer, the Commission is launching today the first fleet of firefighting aircraft under the new rescEU system to tackle natural disasters," the statement reads.
The current assets of the fleet are six Swedish helicopters and seven airplanes, contributed by Croatia (2), France (1), Italy (2) and Spain (2). A further buildup of reserves is planned.
According to the statement, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker highly commended the rescEU project and called it "a concrete response" and "practical solution" to the danger of fires in the European Union.
In addition to the fleet, Brussels prepared a set of monitoring and prevention measures in anticipation of the forest fire season, including increase of staff, drill exercises, regular video conferences and use of satellites.
Last May, the European Parliament agreed to enhance the emergency response mechanisms of the European Union, including by expanding the reserve of fire-fighting aircraft, pumps, field hospitals and emergency medical teams. Last summer brought an extreme heatwave to Europe, with temperatures as high as 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) triggering drought and massive forest fires.
