European Union firefighting assistance to Serbia has been extended until 5 September after wildfires affected the country.
Four helicopters from the rescEU strategic reserve in Czechia, Romania and Slovakia will remain deployed, alongside a ground firefighting team from Romania.
Wildfires burn thousands of hectares
Severe wildfires affecting the Deliblato Sands Special Nature Reserve and other areas had burned approximately 13,920 hectares, according to Copernicus data.
The continuing fires have placed pressure on local response capabilities and threatening one of Serbia’s important natural areas.
European resources rapidly deployed
Serbia requested assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on 21 August.
The EU said European firefighting helicopters were mobilised and airborne within 24 hours of the request.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service had previously been activated on 8 August to provide satellite mapping and analysis to support emergency assessment and operational planning.
Coordination continues on the ground
The EU is continuing to coordinate with Serbian authorities through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre.
A liaison officer is also operating on the ground to support coordination between Serbian authorities and European firefighting teams as operations continue.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: ‘These wildfires are putting enormous pressure on Serbia’s firefighters and communities.
“At this difficult time, Europe stands firmly with Serbia and its people: our teams and aircraft continue to work side by side with Serbian responders to bring the fires under control.
“This is European solidarity in action, and we will continue to provide support as the situation evolves.’
