The European Commission has activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by sending two Canadair fire-fighting planes to fight a fire near Ribeira Brava in Madeira, Portugal. According to a press release, following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Portugal on Wednesday evening, the Commission's Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) has immediately coordinated the deployment of two rescEU firefighting Canadair planes which will arrive today from Spain to Madeira, the group of islands in the Atlantic Ocean belonging to Portugal. It is added that these aircraft will assist local authorities in combating the fires, providing essential aerial support in the challenging conditions, while the Copernicus emergency satellite system has also been activated to provide maps for the local authorities. It is also stated that the Commission is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to dispatch additional resources if necessary. 'This mobilisation highlights the vital role of the C ivil Protection Mechanism in ensuring a unified European response to natural disasters, underscoring the EU's commitment to solidarity with its Member States during crises', it mentioned. Furthermore, it is pointed out that in anticipation of this year's fire season, the EU has strengthened its rescEU and European Civil Protection Pool capabilities, now including 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters across 10 Member States. Additionally, over 560 firefighters from 12 countries have been prepositioned throughout Europe, ready to assist local fire brigades when needed. Source: Cyprus News Agency