more than 350 firefighters, 101 vehicles and six planes on their way to help France, sent by seven countries and the European Union

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The countries of the European Union (EU) are coming to the rescue of France. In all, six planes, more than 350 men and 101 vehicles are sent to support the French firefighters who are still fighting the forest fires which are still ravaging France, in particular the Southwest, the European Commission announced on Thursday August 11.

>> Follow in our direct the latest information on the fires in progress

“The EU stands in full solidarity when a country is facing an emergency”underlined in a press release the European commissioner in charge of crisis management, Janez Lenarcic. “European solidarity is at work!”, greeted President Emmanuel Macron on Twitter Thursday, announcing the reinforcement.

Four planes from the European Union (EU) firefighting fleet have been sent to France, following a request from the French authorities. The two Greek Canadairs are due to arrive in Bordeaux this Thursday, the two Swedish Air Tractors, water bomber planes, will arrive on French soil on Friday in Vannes.

In addition, firefighting teams from several European Union countries are on their way to support French firefighters under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the Commission said. Lhe EU’s Copernicus satellite was also activated by Paris. It collects essential data for first responders on burned areas.

Thus, from Thursday evening, 77 people and 14 vehicles from Romania will arrive in France, 67 people and 24 vehicles sent from Germany and 22 people from Greece. On Friday, it will be the turn of the Polish teams, 146 people and 49 vehicles, as well as the Austrian teams, 73 people and 14 vehicles, to arrive.

Italy will also participate in the French effort, announced President Emmanuel Macron. “Several Canadair arrive to support the French and European firefighters mobilized on our territory”the president said on Twitter Thursday.


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