Black Hawk helicopters end mission after three-day wildfire fight in Romania's Caraș-Severin

Two Black Hawk helicopters have completed their mission supporting firefighters in Caraș-Severin county, Romania, after three days of continuous intervention against vegetation fires. The aircraft from the General Inspectorate for Aviation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs successfully executed 107 water drops, totaling over 260 tons of water, to combat the blazes. The fires, which broke out Friday in the Sichevița and Berzeasca areas along the Danube, affected about 30 hectares and posed a risk of spreading to the forest. The aerial support was crucial in limiting the fires' propagation and aiding ground crews in difficult-to-access locations. While the immediate threat has subsided, authorities are maintaining vigilance over the affected perimeters to prevent any resurgence of the fires. This intervention comes as a heatwave increases the risk of vegetation fires across Europe, with Romanian firefighters engaged in a critical battle against the elements. The operation faced challenges due to multiple fire sources and challenging weather conditions, according to the Caraș-Severin Inspectorate for Emergency Situations.