Due to the extreme weather conditions and severe forest fires in Greece, the European Commission activated on August 22nd, the Community Mechanism for Civil Protection and requested assistance with aerial means. The most dangerous fires, which are threatening the capital Athens, are in North-East Attica.

The European Commission activated the Community Mechanism for Civil Protection following major forest fires which have been devastating the surroundings of Athens over the previous days. Within one hour Italy offered help with two Canadair CL-415 amphibian water-bombing aircraft. In addition, upon a request by the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC), France mobilised two Canadair CL-215 airplanes of the European tactical reserve of fire fighting aircraft (EUFFTR), which was established this summer to assist Member States facing major fires. Cyprus offered to send a fire fighting helicopter.

The EUFFTR planes assisted the Member States in extinguishing forest fires already four times since it became available in July 2009. Since the beginning of Summer 2009 fire campaign the European Forest Fires Information System (EFFIS) has reported several major forest fires, remaining under alert since July 2009. Before activating the Mechanism in Greece, the EUFFTR completed a five days-long intervention to deal with devastating blazes in Portugal.

Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC)

The Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) is operated by DG Environment in the European Commission. It is the operational heart of the Community Mechanism for Civil Protection, available on a 24/7 basis, and provides countries access to the community civil protection platform. Any country affected by a major disaster, either inside or outside the EU, can launch a request for assistance through the MIC.

MIC role during in case of major emergencies

• Serving as a communications hub for the exchange of requests and offers of assistance
• Providing information on civil protection preparedness and response to participating states as well as a wider audience of interested stakeholders
• Supporting co-ordination of the provision of European assistance

In 2008 the EP earmarked € 3,5 million for the pilot project "the European forest Fire Tactical Reserve", with two Canadair CL 215 fire fighting aircrafts available this summer to assist Member States.