The European Union has deployed firefighting aircraft and helicopters to support France and Spain as devastating wildfires continue to spread across both countries, forcing more than 300,000 people from their homes.
The European Commission said that, as of Monday, France had received five firefighting aircraft and two helicopters from the Czech Republic, Croatia, Portugal, Slovakia and Sweden.
The Commission added that two helicopters from Germany and two firefighting aircraft from Turkey were also expected to join the emergency response.
Spain has so far received six firefighting aircraft from Greece, Italy and Turkey, as well as three ground teams from Portugal made up of 134 firefighters and 41 vehicles.
According to the Commission, the emergency assistance was coordinated and funded through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
EU Crisis Commissioner Hadja Lahbib said no country should have to face a disaster of such magnitude alone.
“To the people of France and Spain: Europe will stand with you until the fires are out,” Lahbib said.
