“Our fight against forest fires continues. Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism. European solidarity knows no borders. Our support is being mobilized,” Ursula von der Leyen stated on social media.
The European Commission announced that it is “mobilizing support” requested by Portugal under the European Civil Protection Mechanism to help combat forest fires in the country.
“Yes, Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, and we are mobilizing the support the country requested,” said European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova.
Portugal requested four Canadair aircraft from the European Union today to assist in fighting the forest fires.
During a press conference at the headquarters of the National Civil Protection Authority in Carnaxide, addressing the ongoing fires, national civil protection commander Mário Silvestre stated that Portugal will become the seventh country to activate the European mechanism.
Initially, the authorities opted to resort to bilateral cooperation agreements with Spain and Morocco, with the latter providing two Canadair aircraft to remain in Portugal until Monday. Spanish resources aided in battling the fires in Castelo de Vide and Chaves, he indicated.
