Estonian rescuers depart for Spain to combat forest fires

The first Estonian wildfire suppression team departed for Spain to assist in battling forest and landscape fires. The rescuers will return home on 17 August.

This will be the first time for Estonian rescuers to travel abroad to extinguish forest fires. Kaarel Langemets, expert from the Rescue Work Department of the Estonian Rescue Board, explained that they will be providing aid to gain experience that is not available in Estonia. It is equally important that by helping others, we ensure they will help us if needed. The cooperation network created there will also be invaluable.’

The first team will be deployed in Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain from 31 July to 16 August. The second team will be in Galicia in north-western Spain from 15 August to 31 August. Each team consists of 20 members and will stay in Spain for two weeks.

Due to different conditions in Spain compared to Estonia, the rescuers will use lighter single-layer firefighting uniforms, breathable and lighter helmets, protective glasses, and supportive boots suitable for hilly terrain.

In recent years, summertime forest fires have become a major problem in southern Europe, often reaching devastating proportions.

No single country has the capacity to deal with such major disasters alone, which is why they also ask for help from other countries. The provision of aid is coordinated by the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

This year, four southern European countries – Spain, France, Greece, and Portugal – have requested additional help. Last year, rescuers from 10 countries helped to fight forest fires; this year, the number has increased to 12.

The longer-term goal is to train, within a few years, a specialized EU Civil Protection Mechanism rescue team equipped to respond to such emergencies.

The European Comission will cover 95% of the costs of the host country. Additionally. the European Union will cover 75% of Estonia’s transport costs.