From August 1 to 16, 2025, sixteen officials from the State Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are in Portugal to provide assistance during the high-risk wildfire season. This mission is being carried out within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
Valuable Experience and Solidarity
As emphasized by Lieutenant Colonel Ingars Avens of the SFRS, this experience will be extremely valuable. Portuguese firefighters have developed unique skills and tactics for extinguishing wildfires that differ from those encountered in Latvia. Given climate change, this knowledge may also prove useful in Latvia. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to show solidarity with colleagues within the EU.
Latvia's Contribution to the EU Support Mission
The Latvian firefighter-rescuers, representing all regions of Latvia, will primarily operate in the Almeirim region, working closely with local services. This marks the third time that Latvian firefighters have helped Portugal, demonstrating Latvia's ability to contribute to the international civil protection system.
This wildfire season, approximately 583 firefighters from 13 EU member states are participating in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which shows Europe's shared commitment to responding to natural disasters. On July 22, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the deployment of SFRS officials to ensure timely involvement.
About the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and ECHO
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a system coordinated by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Its purpose is to strengthen cooperation between the EU and participating countries in civil protection to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters.
When a disaster strikes, any country in the world can request assistance through the Mechanism. The participating countries then voluntarily offer assistance, such as specialized teams, equipment, or other resources. ECHO acts as the central hub, coordinating the offers of help to ensure that the right aid reaches the affected country efficiently and effectively. This mission of the Latvian firefighters-rescuers is a practical example of this mechanism in action.
