Croatian Air Force pilots are assisting international efforts to contain a massive wildfire in southwestern France as challenging weather conditions persist.

Croatian Air Force pilots from the 855th Firefighting Squadron are in their fifth day of operations near Bordeaux, France, battling a large wildfire. The crews are working in the Saumos area to contain the blaze, which continues to be reignited by high temperatures and strengthening winds.

Operational Challenges and Progress

Major Ivan Dukić reported that while overnight rain provided temporary relief, the fire remains active due to rising temperatures and afternoon winds. Since their arrival, the Croatian crews have completed 118 flights, logging 20 hours of flight time and dropping 576 tonnes of water on the fire. They are operating as part of the rescEU civil protection mechanism alongside French and other international teams.

Domestic and International Capacity

Despite the deployment in France, the 855th Firefighting Squadron has remained active in Croatia during the peak wildfire season. Between June 15 and July 27, the squadron participated in extinguishing 39 wildfires along the Croatian coast and islands. Colonel Željko Bukvić attributed this dual capacity to careful planning and the experience of the firefighting crews.