The European Commission has announced the activation of its Civil Protection Mechanism to assist Greece and Albania in their efforts to combat severe wildfires.
According to a statement by Balazs Ujvari, spokesperson for the Commission, the Emergency Response Coordination Centre has facilitated the provision of aerial and ground firefighting resources from several European countries.
Ujvari detailed that the support for Greece includes two aeroplanes from Italy, helicopters from France and Serbia, and ground firefighting crews from the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Romania, and Serbia.
For Albania, the assistance includes a military aircraft equipped for firefighting from Romania.
The Commission is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to provide further assistance if necessary.
The EU had earlier received a request from Greece for help in managing the wildfires that are approaching the northern outskirts of Athens, posing significant risks to the affected regions.
Forest fires continue to ravage northern Greece as firefighters work to contain blazes in remote areas.
According to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini, a wildfire that erupted in the Serres region has led to extensive damage to forested land in a remote area.
Currently, 35 firefighters, five fire trucks, three ground teams, and a helicopter are engaged in efforts to control the fire.
Another blaze, which started on Friday in the city of Serres, is not active at the front lines but still requires the attention of 34 firefighters, two ground teams, and eight trucks, supported by two helicopters.
Both fires are not near residential areas but present significant challenges due to the rugged terrain.
