Latvia to Send 20 Firefighters to Portugal This Summer to Help Combat Wildfires
Latvia will dispatch a 20-person firefighting unit to Portugal for one month this summer to assist in battling wildfires, responding to a request through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
/nginx/o/2026/01/28/17408180t1had36.jpg)
In April, the Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection activated the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, submitting a request for a firefighting unit without vehicles. This was in response to forecasts of increased wildfire risk across much of Portugal, particularly in July and August.
The State Fire and Rescue Service (VUGD) of Latvia offered a team of 20 personnel to provide assistance from July 16 to July 31. Travel expenses will initially be covered by Latvia's state budget, with the European Commission later reimbursing 75% of those costs.
This is not the first time Latvia has supported Portugal during wildfire season. Last summer, Latvia sent 16 rescuers from VUGD to help during the high-risk period.
