Finland sends module for ground forest firefighting to Spain

By decision of the Ministry of the Interior, Finland has sent a module for ground forest firefighting to Spain to help manage wildfires raging across the country. The module will be deployed in Spain for about a week.

Due to the heatwave that started at the beginning of August, Spain is experiencing one of its worst wildfires on record. Spain has requested assistance in the management of raging wildfires through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

“Finland reacted quickly to Spain’s request for assistance by sending a module specialised in extinguishing wildfires to the country. Finland has a module for ground forest firefighting on stand-by within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and here its strong expertise can be put to good use. The EU Member States cooperate in the field of preparedness, which also supports Finland’s preparedness,” says Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

The rescue workers sent to Spain will assist and support local authorities in managing and extinguishing wildfires. In previous years, Finland has participated in the management of wildfires in Portugal and Greece by sending rescue workers to these countries as agreed in advance.

The module for ground forest firefighting sent to Spain consists of about 26 persons from the rescue departments of North Savo, North Karelia, South Savo, South Karelia and Kymenlaakso.

The Ministry of the Interior decides on the provision of international assistance related to rescue services and civil protection. The Emergency Services Academy Finland trains, recruits and deploys rescue personnel for international civil protection operations and acts as their employer.

Finland is active in providing expert assistance

In international civil protection operations, assistance is provided under international treaties and legislation. Operations are undertaken, for example, when natural or man-made disasters and incidents overwhelm a country’s own capacity to respond.

Finland participates in international civil protection operations through the European Union and international organisations. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is one of the key instruments for providing international assistance. Countries activating the mechanism request help from other countries to respond to accidents and incidents. 

Requests for assistance are coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC), which operates under the European Commission. Assistance provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism is drawn from national resources. Assistance provided by Member States may take the form of expert assistance, rescue teams or material aid.

Inquiries:
Pekka Tiainen, Senior Officer for Rescue Services, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 50456 4477, [email protected]
Pauliina Eskola, Director of Rescue Services, Accident Prevention and International Cooperation, Ministry of the Interior, tel. +358 295 488 263, [email protected]
Laura Hokkanen, Head of Training, Emergency Services Academy Finland, tel. +358 295 453 536, [email protected]