European Union to send three firefighting planes to Turkey

The European Commission will be sending three firefighting planes to help extinguish ongoing fires in Turkey, which have devastated the country’s southern coast, Report informs, citing the Turkish press.

Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Crisis Management, in charge of European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid and the European Emergency Response Coordinator, said in a tweet that the EU stands in full solidarity with Turkey over the ongoing fires.

He thanked Croatia and Spain for sending three Canadair firefighting planes from the rescue fleet.

Spain will be sending two planes, while Croatia will be sending one.

The European authorities are constantly in touch with Turkish authorities regarding the matter, the coordinator said.

"Our thoughts are with the Turkish people who have lost their loved ones and with the brave first responders who are doing their best to battle the deadly fires. We stand ready to provide further assistance."