France seeks EU help as wildfires rage in Gironde

France has requested the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to help combat large-scale wildfires, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday, July 24, as authorities battle worsening conditions in several regions.

“France has requested the activation of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism,” Macron wrote on X, adding that the situation remains particularly severe in the Gironde department in southwestern France.

Under the EU’s coordinated response, France is set to receive additional firefighting resources from several member states, including two Canadair water-bombing aircraft from Croatia, two Air Tractor planes from Portugal, and two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

“This concrete, rapid and practical solidarity is a valuable source of strength in this difficult time,” Macron said.

Tamilla Hasanova