EU hears Serbia's request, helicopters and firefighters arrive to help with the blaze

The European Union has dispatched four helicopters and two firefighting units to Serbia to assist with efforts to extinguish wildfires raging across the country. The move follows Serbia's request for aid under the EU’s civil protection mechanism, which was made last Friday. The fires have been burning for nearly two weeks, with more than ten forest fires currently active. A particularly severe blaze has engulfed over 3,500 hectares in the Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve in northeastern Serbia, one of the country’s most significant protected areas. According to European Commissioner for Crisis Management Helena Dalli, the EU has mobilized four helicopters, three capable of carrying 3,500 liters of water each and a fourth with a capacity of 2,600 liters, from the Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovakia. Additionally, two ground-based firefighting teams from Germany and Romania have been deployed. These resources will primarily focus on the Deliblatska Pescara area, though they may be redirected to other regions of Serbia if needed. Dalli described the deployment as “European solidarity in action,” emphasizing the collective effort among member states to support Serbia during this crisis. Serbia’s request for assistance came amid extreme weather conditions, including record-high temperatures and unfavorable hydro-meteorological forecasts. Luka Causic, head of the Special Situation Sector at Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, noted that the country faces prolonged heatwaves and dry conditions, exacerbating the spread of fires. He confirmed that the EU’s response includes both aerial and ground firefighting capabilities, with the helicopters drawn from the EU’s strategic reserves known as RescEU. In addition to the EU’s contribution, Serbia has accepted offers of assistance from individual countries. Germany is sending 55 firefighters and 24 fire trucks, while Romania has pledged a team of 69 firefighters and 15 vehicles. These forces will join the EU-provided equipment in combating the blazes. According to reports from the Serbian news agency Tanjug, the combined international effort aims to contain the fires before they cause further damage to the environment and local communities. The wildfires have already affected large portions of Serbia’s forests, with the Deliblatska Pescara nature reserve suffering extensive destruction. This area, recognized for its ecological importance, has been severely impacted by the flames. Firefighters and emergency services have been working around the clock to prevent the spread of the fires, supported by both national and international resources. Local authorities have issued warnings to residents in affected areas, urging them to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. The deployment of international firefighting teams highlights the growing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the Balkan region, driven by climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, prompting calls for improved preparedness and cooperation among neighboring countries. As the situation continues to evolve, officials are monitoring the effectiveness of the current measures and assessing whether additional support will be required in the coming days. The helicopters and firefighting units arrived in Serbia earlier today, with operations expected to begin immediately. Their presence underscores the seriousness of the crisis and the commitment of the international community to provide timely and effective assistance. Firefighters from multiple countries are now on the ground, ready to deploy their resources against the ongoing threat posed by the wildfires.