Cyprus activated on Sunday the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and asked neighboring Israel for assistance after a massive fire broke out in the mountainous area of Limassol.
The wildfires, due to the extreme weather, which includes a heat wave, strong winds and high temperatures, are threating local communities and natural habitats.
The European Commission reported on Monday that it was mobilising two Canadair firefighting airplanes from the EU's Civil Protection Pool stationed in Greece. Greece is also sending 20 tonnes of liquid retardant via the Mechanism.
Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič thanked Greece for its immediate emergency assistance to wildfires in Cyprus. “This is EU solidarity at its best.”
Israel responded also rapidly to a direct request from Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides for immediate assistance in extinguishing the wildfires, based on the bilateral partnership between the two countries. The Israeli emergency mission took off on Monday afternoon.
Crews and equipment were transported by a Super Hercules (‘Shimshon’) aircraft. The mission includes two 'Air-Tractor' firefighting aircraft, a crew of four pilots, a trained ground crew, wildfire experts, and equipment including approximately six tons flame retardants.
The Brussels Times
