EU deploys immediate assistance to help Cyprus contain devastating forest fires

Cyprus activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 3 July 2021, requesting support to tackle forest fires in the Limassol district.

Responding immediately, the EU has rapidly mobilised rescEU aerial fire-fighting assets hosted by Greece and Italy. Firefighting planes have already departed from Greece, while deployment arrangements with Italy are ongoing.

Welcoming the rapid deployment of rescEU assets, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: “The EU stands in full solidarity with Cyprus during these difficult moments. European support is already on its way. I am thankful to Greece and Italy for their rapid reaction and their tangible solidarity. Our thoughts are with all those affected and with the first responders who are risking their lives to battle the fires. We stand ready to provide further assistance.”

In addition, the EU’s emergency Copernicus satellite is being activated to provide damage assessment maps of the affected areas.

The European Union’s 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre is in constant contact with the Cyprus authorities to closely monitor the developments and provide any further assistance as necessary.