The EU is preparing for the 2026 wildfire season.

In light of the growing risk of wildfires across Europe, the European Commission is preparing for the 2026 season. To this end, it will strengthen four key areas of action: prevention, preparedness, response, and post-fire recovery across the EU. As part of these preparations, a record number of firefighters, aircraft, and emergency response experts will be mobilized to protect human lives, property, and the natural environment.

How is the European Commission preparing for the 2026 fire season?

As part of preparations for the 2026 wildfire season, 777 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically deployed to high-risk areas in Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. This is the highest level of participation since the pre-positioning program was launched in 2022. In addition, 22 firefighting aircraft and 5 helicopters from the EU fleet will be on standby.

Fires Pose an Increasing Threat

The European Commission notes that wildfire seasons are becoming longer, more destructive, and starting earlier. Accordingly, the goal for the upcoming fire season will be to ensure that additional firefighters, aircraft, and expertise are on standby to support services in countries where the risk is highest.

A communication presented in March 2026 emphasized that fire prevention, preparedness, and recovery are key. The initiative includes supporting landscapes through sustainable land management and ecosystem restoration, improving methods for assessing forest fire risk and early warning systems, strengthening community preparedness, and fostering closer cooperation.

This approach aims to reduce the risk of forest fires while increasing Europe’s long-term resilience to them. For more information on the new strategy to combat the growing threat of wildfires, see one of our previous articles: The EC’s New Strategy Against the Growing Threat of Wildfires.

What fire prevention measures will be implemented?

Throughout the fire season, experts at the EU’s 24/7 Crisis Response Coordination Center monitor threats using meteorological and scientific analyses. In addition, the Center will strengthen its efforts with the help of wildfire experts from member states and participating countries, as well as specialists from the Commission’s partnerships with scientific institutions.

The European Forest Fire Information System provides continuous risk forecasts, while EU satellite services, such as Copernicus, will provide mapping of emergency situations and geospatial analysis to support decision-making in the field.

In addition, in 2026, the EU will launch a European regional firefighting station in Cyprus to enhance preparedness and response capabilities in the event of fires in the southern Mediterranean region. The Cypriot firefighting station will house six aircraft and will also organize training and exercises for civil protection professionals to promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Poland’s Activities Under the Civil Protection Mechanism

As part of the Civil Protection Mechanism, Poland will send 105 firefighters to Spain as part of all GFFF modules—the largest contingent among all 14 European Union member states. Throughout August, they will be stationed in Castilla-La Mancha, an autonomous community in central Spain.

ERCC – EU Crisis Response Coordination Center

The Crisis Response Coordination Center is the EU’s largest and fastest operational coordination tool, supporting the EU in the event of any type of crisis. The Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and responds to incidents across different time zones. Any country affected by a disaster can turn to the Center for help. Countries participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism offer their assistance, such as essential supplies, expertise, or specialized equipment.

The EU coordinates offers of support to ensure targeted assistance and covers up to 75 percent of operational costs. It can also mobilize its own resources, known as rescEU: firefighting aircraft, medical evacuation aircraft, medical equipment, and field hospitals. Since 2001, the Center has coordinated assistance more than 600 times.