By Brian Johnson - 9th August 2006
Three EU countries are flying to Spain’s rescue to assist in combating forest fires raging through Galicia.
Rome, Lisbon and Paris on Wednesday responded to Madrid’s call for EU help in battling over 100 fires that have destroyed around 10,000 hectares and killed three people in Spain’s north west region.
The assistance is being coordinated through the EU’s community mechanism for civil protection, set up in 2002, to assist and support countries when a major emergency situation arises.
EU environment chief Stavros Dimas said on Wednesday evening that Madrid’s call had triggered a rapid response and that European help was already on its way to Spain.
“Assistance provided by member states through the civil protection mechanism has once again proved that this is a community tool that works effectively,” said Dimas in a statement.
The commission said that within “a few hours” of Spain’s request, Portugal, France and Italy had offered assistance and that offers from other member states were also expected.
Italy and France have both supplied four Canadair aircraft, water bomber airplanes used for aerial fire fighting, while Portugal, also suffering from severe forest fires, has promised 20 vehicles and 65 experienced fire fighters.
Around 500 fire fighters and 1200 soldiers are tackling more than 100 fires in Galicia. Spanish police have arrested six suspected arsonists.
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