Source: European Union 2 Published on: 2026-06-02
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Due to climate change, wildfires are becoming more frequent and more destructive. In 2025 alone, a record 1 million hectares of land across the EU burned in wildfires – an area roughly half the size of Slovenia. In response, the EU is deploying a record number of firefighters, aircraft and emergency experts this summer to help protect lives, homes and nature.
Ahead of the summer wildfire season, the EU reinforced its preparedness measures to support EU countries
777 firefighters from 14 countries will be deployed across high-risk areas in 6 countries in the south of Europe
22 firefighting airplanes and 5 helicopters from the EU fleet are ready to support countries under pressure
Throughout the wildfire season, experts at the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, supported by additional wildfire experts, will track risks and support deployments 24/7 based on meteorological and scientific analysis. The European Forest Fire Information System will provide continuous wildfire risk forecasts, while EU satellite services like Copernicus will deliver emergency mapping and geospatial analysis to support decisions on the ground.
In addition, the EU is launching a new European regional firefighting station in Cyprus to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response capacities across Europe and the South Mediterranean region. The station will have the capacity to pre-position 6 aircraft and host trainings for civil protection practitioners.
In times of crisis, the EU stands alongside its citizens by bringing together resources, expertise, and people on the ground to protect lives, communities, and the environment. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism and rescEU already provide essential support to EU countries through aerial firefighting capacity and cross‑border assistance. With the new approach to wildfire risk management presented in March 2026, the Commission aims to further strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery across the EU.