Sweden Supports Bulgaria's Firefighting Efforts Amid Severe Wildfires
Sweden sends firefighting support to Bulgaria in response to severe wildfires.
Key Points
- • Sweden is sending two scoop planes and personnel to support Bulgaria's firefighting efforts.
- • Bulgarian wildfires are exacerbated by extreme heat exceeding 42 degrees Celsius.
- • The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency highlights EU cooperation during crises.
- • This is Sweden's seventh activation of aerial resources under the rescEU initiative.
In response to the escalating wildfires in Bulgaria, exacerbated by extreme temperatures surpassing 42 degrees Celsius and strong winds, Sweden has mobilized significant firefighting resources. As part of a coordinated response through the EU's civil protection mechanism, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) will dispatch two scoop planes and operational personnel to assist in combatting the extensive blazes plagued by the current crisis.
The urgency of the situation prompted Bulgaria to formally request aerial support from the EU, and Sweden's immediate action illustrates the swift collaboration among member states in crisis response, according to MSB operational chief Jenny Wärja. She emphasized the importance of mutual aid during such crises, stating that EU cooperation enables a swift and effective reaction to disasters. The planes will be tasked with drawing water from local lakes or the sea to aid Bulgarian firefighters.
Despite the challenges abroad, northern Sweden has also been facing wildfires, but MSB assesses that the country's readiness to manage these domestic incidents remains strong. Currently, eight helicopters are on standby, and additional resources can be deployed if necessary. Sweden has been a participant in the rescEU initiative since 2019, marking this event as the seventh activation of their aerial resources in Europe, following previous supports extended to countries like Greece, France, and the Czech Republic. The MSB plays a crucial role in both providing and receiving assistance during emergencies, including facilitating support for Bulgaria in this instance.