On 12 July, the european forest fires information System recorded 24 fires that burned in Italy. Forest fires rage over a big part in the south of the Country, including the regions of Sicily, Basilicata, Campania, Lazio and Calabria.
Forest fire risk is expected to remain at very high levels in the south of the Country’s mainland and Sicily while even worsening in Sardinia.
Three French air planes specialised in fire-fighting missions are now already on their way to help italian authorities to bring the situation under control and an expert to assist in coordinating the EU’s emergency response on the ground.
The european Commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management said:
The european Union civil protection mechanism is a strong example of solidarity in action and how Europe can better protects its citizens by pooling resources from different countries.
I’m very thankful to France for having immediately provided help in these times of great need.
I want to assure our italian friends that Europe stands ready to give further assistance if and when requested.
The european Union is further ready to provide Copernicus satellite mapping