EU Sends Helicopters and Firefighting Units to Aid Serbia Against Wildfires

The European Union has dispatched crucial firefighting resources to Serbia to aid in combating extensive wildfires that have been raging for approximately two weeks. The assistance, comprising four helicopters and two ground firefighting units, was sent after Serbia formally requested help through the EU's civil protection mechanism.

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This is European solidarity in action.

European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, announced the deployment on social media, stating that the EU is sending four helicopters from the Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovakia, along with two ground units from Germany and Romania. "This is European solidarity in action," she added. The request for aid came as Serbia grappled with a significant fire in the Deliblatska peščara nature reserve in the northeast of the country.

Luka Čaušić, head of the emergency sector at the Serbian Ministry of Interior, highlighted the dire situation, noting Serbia's expectation of extremely high temperatures and negative hydrometeorological forecasts. He confirmed that the EU has deployed four Black Hawk helicopters from its RescEU strategic reserves. Three of these helicopters can carry 3,500 liters of water each, while the fourth has a capacity of 2,600 liters. Serbia has also accepted offers from Germany, which is sending 55 firefighters and 24 vehicles, and Romania, providing a unit of 69 firefighters and 15 vehicles.

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Serbia is waiting for extremely high temperatures and negative hydrometeorological forecasts.

The deployed helicopters and ground units will primarily focus on the Deliblatska peščara reserve, but will assist in other areas of Serbia if needed. The fires have already consumed over 3,500 hectares in the reserve, underscoring the urgency of the international support.

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Three helicopters can carry 3500 liters of water each, the fourth has a capacity of 2600 liters.