Switzerland supports France in fighting flames with army helicopters and firefighters

Switzerland is providing significant support to France in its battle against raging wildfires, deploying army helicopters and firefighters to the affected regions. The Swiss government announced that three Super Puma helicopters, along with their crews and 20 personnel, will be sent to Corsica.

In addition to the aerial support, 34 firefighters from Western Switzerland have been actively engaged in firefighting efforts near Bordeaux since Saturday. This contingent, comprising personnel from Geneva, Vaud, and Neuchâtel cantons, is working to contain the blazes and prevent them from spreading, particularly to a large solar power plant in the area. Their deployment was initiated by the Geneva professional fire brigade, which had been monitoring the situation in France due to persistent drought conditions.

Nicolas Millot, spokesperson for the Geneva Fire and Rescue Service (GSIS), highlighted the meticulous preparation involved. "We had to be as autonomous as possible in France to avoid burdening the local security apparatus. That's why we brought our own medic, food supplies, sleeping bags, camp beds, credit cards, and cash," he explained. The operation was coordinated from Geneva, with additional support mobilized from the cantonal building insurance agencies of Vaud and Neuchâtel.

The Swiss assistance is part of a broader international response, with ten other countries contributing to France's efforts to combat the extensive wildfires. This collaborative approach underscores the cross-border nature of disaster response and the importance of mutual aid in managing large-scale environmental emergencies.

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We had to be as autonomous as possible in France to avoid burdening the local security apparatus. That's why we brought our own medic, food supplies, sleeping bags, camp beds, credit cards, and cash.