EU sends firefighting planes to fight Madeira wildfires

 The European Union said Thursday that two water bomber planes were headed for the Atlantic island of Madeira to bolster firefighting efforts following an emergency request from the Portuguese government. 

A European Commission spokesman told reporters a request for help under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was received Wednesday evening, and that in response two firefighting aircraft were being deployed from Spain from the EU's strategic reserve.

"These aircraft are on their way already, and they are to reach Madeira in the next few hours," said the spokesman, Balazs Ujvari. "They will contribute to the ongoing efforts pursued by the local authorities in a very challenging terrain."

He noted that the EU had last week activated its Copernicus satellite system at Portugal's request, to help monitor the blaze which has raged for a week and threatens a UNESCO-listed forest.

"The commission will of course, continue to observe the situation on the ground, and we are ready to mobilise additional assistance if needed," Ujvari said.