EU sends 2 more airplanes to put out wild fires in Albania

The European Commission (EC) has decided to mobilize two additional Greek airplanes to help Albanian authorities cope with a series of fires, a delegation to Tirana said Friday.

The assistance will be provided through the European Union (EU) Civil Protection Mechanism, according to a press statement.

Christos Stylianides, EU commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management said the EC praised the assistance that Greece has provided to Albania to battle the fires.

Massive wildfires have raged in Albania for weeks, forcing Albanian authorities to seek support from Greece and Italy.

Greece sent first two airplanes in the first days of August, following the request made by Albanian authorities for help to put out fires spread all over the country. Italy has also sent helicopters to assist Albania.

According to data provided by Albanian civil emergencies department, some 640 wildfires have hit Albania in the last three months. Authorities have said that several fires have started due to a heatwave, but most of them were set deliberately.