Cyprus deploys firefighting aircraft to assist France

The Republic of Cyprus is deploying two Air Tractor firefighting aircraft to France in response to a request submitted through the European Union's RescEU mechanism. These aircraft are leased to Cyprus by the EU and are part of the European civil protection reserve. The deployment follows the outbreak of major wildfires in the Eastern Pyrenees region of southern France, specifically near Mount Canigou. Reports indicate that over 13,500 hectares of land have been burned since the fire began. Currently, approximately 700 firefighters are engaged in containment operations, supported by aerial assets amid difficult conditions caused by strong northwesterly winds and high temperatures. The area, along with six other French departments, remains under a high-alert orange warning for forest fires.