The Brussels-based Commission's Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) fought major forest fires in Corsica last week following a request by France. This is for the first time that the MIC responded to such a request by making use of the European reserve of fire fighting aircraft it has established this summer to assist Member States that face major forest fires. The planes were operational less than three hours after the request.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "The European reserve of forest fire fighting aircraft, established with the support of the EP, is a great example of European added value in responding to natural disasters like forest fires."
Two fire-fighting planes that were leased within the framework of an EU pilot project and are stationed in Bastia, Corsica, were used for the first time. The planes were stationed within a 40km radius of the fire and could provide immediate assistance, helping to quell the fire before it could get out of control.
The two planes were operational for four hours and carried out 36 water drops.
Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: "The European reserve of forest fire fighting aircraft, established with the support of the EP, is a great example of European added value in responding to natural disasters like forest fires."
Two fire-fighting planes that were leased within the framework of an EU pilot project and are stationed in Bastia, Corsica, were used for the first time. The planes were stationed within a 40km radius of the fire and could provide immediate assistance, helping to quell the fire before it could get out of control.
The two planes were operational for four hours and carried out 36 water drops.
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